Fuasgladh Cheistean: Ro-ràdh

• A problem requires investigation and logical thought to find a solution
• Recognizing the problem is the most important step in problem-solving
• Understanding the problem is crucial to determine if it's a problem or a symptom
• The word "problem" comes from the Greek "proballein," meaning "to throw before"

Parts of a Problem

• Identifying the parts of a problem is the first step in solving it

Example: Making a Peanut Butter and Jelly Sandwich

• Facts given include a need to make a sandwich with provided ingredients
• Input: Data needed includes bread, jelly, peanut butter, a plate and a butter knife
• Output: The result is a peanut butter and jelly sandwich

Example: Calculating the Total Cost of Items

• Facts given include the task to calculate the total cost of multiple items
• Input: Data needed includes the item, price per item, and quantity
• Output: The result is the total cost of all items

Simple vs. Complex Problems

• Simple problems can be solved by following a set of steps
• Complex problems require analyzing factors and handling different situations

Difference Between Simple and Complex Problems

• Simple problems are easy to understand and can be solved in few steps without much time or effort, and using a basic skill set
• Complex problems are challenging which require careful thinking to reach the solution, more advanced skills or learning new techniques.

Algorithm Definition

• An algorithm is a set of instructions and procedures applied in a specific sequence

Muhammad ibn Musa Al-Khwarizmi

• He is the father of algorithms, introduced numerals and concepts of algebra

Stepwise Refinement

• Stepwise refinement involves breaking a problem into subproblems that can be easily solved
• It's a top-down methodology that progresses from general to specific problems

Example: Algorithm for a Robot to Make Coffee

• Initial steps: boil water, put coffee in cup, add water to cup
• Refinement includes breaking down steps into simpler substeps
• Boiling water can be refined to filling the boiler, switching it on, and waiting until it boils
• Further refinement of filling the boiler includes putting it under the tap, turning on the tap, waiting until full, and turning off the tap

Computational Thinking Steps

• Decomposition: Breaking down complex problems into subproblems
• Abstraction: Identifying and extracting important information while excluding unnecessary details
• Logical thinking: Analyzing, predicting, and recognizing patterns
• Decision-making: Solving problems and empowers the attitude needed to make decisions related to those problems

Benefits of Algorithmic Thinking

• Helps solve problems efficiently by breaking them down
• Aids in making smart choices by considering different options
• Helps stay organized
• Enhances mathematical abilities
• Requires organization and planning, aiding task prioritization
• Sequencing means the order in which an algorithm's instructions and steps are carried out and completed is critical in achieving the desired result.

Conditions in Algorithms

• Conditions determine which step is executed next based on the answer to a question

Loops in Algorithms

• Loops repeatedly ask the same question until a task is done
• Loops can be finite or infinite

Conditional Statements

• Enable a program to make decisions based on conditions
• Types include the if statement and the if-else statement

If Statement

• Executes a block of code if a condition is true; otherwise, the block is skipped

If-Else Statement

• Executes one block of code if a condition is true and another if the condition is false