Problem Solving Course Overview

The central theme of Module 2 is the role of algorithms in problem solving.

The three units in Module 1 are Roadmap to Solving Problems, The Problem Solving Process, and Computational Approaches to Problem Solving.

Module 3 focuses on implementation strategies, including recursion, control structures, and testing and debugging.

<p>Flowcharts serve as a graphical representation of the steps involved in an algorithm, aiding in visual understanding.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>Computational approaches discussed include various strategies for solving common real-life problems.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>Abstraction is emphasized as a logical representation of ideas that aids in problem solving.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>Learners should avail themselves of opportunities to compare their knowledge with that of others.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>One key strategy discussed is the use of typical problem-solving techniques, such as brainstorming ideas.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>Recursive solutions involve breaking down a problem into smaller sub-problems that follow the same solving procedures.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>Non-recursive solutions identify regularities in problem-solving procedures rather than breaking the problem down into smaller sub-problems.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>In odd moves, the smallest disk is involved, and its movements give insight into the placement of other disks.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>Binary notation assigns a bit to each disk, where the leftmost bit indicates the largest disk's position.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>Graphical representations visually model conditions and simplify the understanding of complex solutions.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>Reflecting on past experiences helps identify previously effective strategies and adapt them to current problems.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>A pyramid-shaped graph clearly displays different disk distributions and the legal moves between them.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>The four conditions are: initial situation, goal, applicable set of resources, and commitment to using one's resources.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>Legal moves adhere to the specific rules governing how disks can be moved between pegs without violating any established constraints.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>If one or more components are missing, the problem is considered ill-defined.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>In problem solving, 'goal' refers to the desired outcome that one aims to achieve.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>Resources provide the necessary means or tools that assist in transitioning from the initial situation to the desired goal.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>Critical thinking involves cognitive skills or strategies that enhance the likelihood of achieving a desirable outcome.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>Limitations may include rules, regulations, and guidelines that dictate permissible actions.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>It implies a willingness to invest personal knowledge, skills, and energy towards achieving the goal.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>Identifying the initial situation provides a clear starting point from which to assess needs and devise strategies.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>Identifying the problem, determining its root causes, deciding on a course of action, and implementing the solution.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>The right technique influences the effectiveness of the solution and is dependent on the individual's experience and resourcefulness.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>Trial and error, and algorithms.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>Resourcefulness allows individuals to adapt and select appropriate techniques based on the situation.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>Algorithms provide systematic procedures for solving problems efficiently.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>Means-ends-analysis is a technique that involves breaking down a problem into smaller, manageable parts to find solutions.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>Experience informs individuals about which techniques have been successful in similar situations.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>Trial and error involves trying various solutions to see which one works and learning from failed attempts.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>The main goal is to produce an efficient solution.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>Recursion and modularisation.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>They test learners on the materials covered and help reinforce their understanding.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>30%.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>Submit all assignments by the stipulated time and date.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>Self-assessment exercises, tutor-marked assignments, and written examination.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>To ensure that the presented solution not only works but is guaranteed to work.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>About three hours.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>Grades can be represented as whole numbers, real numbers (like 73.42), or letter grades (like A to F).</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>We need to decide whether to include the absent students as having received a grade of 0 or to ignore them when calculating the average.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>The model is given by the formula $Average_1 = \frac{x_1 + x_2 + x_3 + ... + x_n}{n}$, where $n$ is the number of grades.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>Because addition and division cannot be performed on letter grades as they are non-numerical.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>Outputs could be presented as whole numbers, real numbers, or graphical formats like a pie chart.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>It is crucial to fully understand the type and format of the available input data.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>The challenge is that a defined method for converting letter grades into a numerical format is necessary for computations.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>One should consider the format of the grades, any missing data, and what output is expected.</p> Signup and view all the answers

Methods and approaches used to solve problems, often including typical strategies and computational methods.

Methods used in computer science to solve problems, often focusing on algorithms and logical processes.

Step-by-step procedures for solving problems.

Simplification of a problem by focusing on key elements and ignoring details.

Graphical representations of algorithms using boxes and arrows.

A plain language description of the steps in an algorithm.

Solving a problem by breaking it down into smaller, self-similar subproblems.

Methods for carrying out (coding/programming) a solution to a problem.

A problem is a situation where achieving a goal isn't immediately obvious. It needs a clear initial state, a desired outcome, and available resources and limitations.

The starting point of a problem-solving process. It's the current state before any actions are taken.

The desired outcome of a problem-solving task.

Tools available for moving from the initial situation to the goal. This can include knowledge, skills, or materials.

Restrictions on the resources that can be used to solve a problem. These include rules, guidelines, or limitations on what actions are allowed.

A problem that lacks one or more of the components needed for a well-defined problem (initial situation, goal, resources, or commitment).

Using cognitive skills to improve the probability of a successful outcome while solving a problem.

The process of using one's resources to move from the initial situation to the goal, considering limitations and restrictions.

A method for finding efficient solutions to problems.

Making sure a program works correctly including finding and fixing errors.

Exercises to check understanding before formal assessment.

Assignments assessed by a tutor, contributing to course grade.

Evaluating student achievement in a course.

Final exam completed at the conclusion of a course.

Important dates for submitting assessments and attending tutorials.

A systematic approach to identifying, analyzing, and resolving problems.

Methods for tackling problems, varying from trial and error to complex strategies.

A problem-solving method involving trying different solutions until one works.

General problem-solving rules of thumb.

A problem-solving technique focusing on closing the gap between the current and desired states.

Simplifying complex problems by focusing on key elements.

Breaking down a problem into smaller, identical subproblems, then combining their solutions for the final answer.

Solving a problem using regular patterns and identifying consistent procedures for each step.

Representing disk moves in the Tower of Hanoi puzzle using binary numbers, where each digit corresponds to a disk.

Visually representing a problem's solution using a diagram, showing nodes (problem states) and edges (moves).

A pyramid-shaped graph representing the possible moves in the Tower of Hanoi problem, where each node shows a disk arrangement.

Using previous knowledge and past solutions to address a new problem.

Drawing connections between past experiences and current problems to find solutions.

Understanding what the data means and how it's structured. For example, are the grades numbers, letters, or a combination? What do the numbers or letters represent?

Determining the specific format of the data, such as whole numbers, decimal numbers, letter grades, or a special code. This allows for correct processing.

Considering whether there are gaps in the data, such as missing grades. This affects how you calculate the average.

Deciding what information needs to be produced as the result of solving the problem. For example, do you need a simple average, a chart, or a text report?

Deciding the best way to present the results, whether it is text, a picture, or a specific type of graph. This helps communicate the findings effectively.

A formula or set of steps used to solve the problem. It needs to match the data format and account for missing data.

The process of computing the average of a set of numbers. This involves adding up all the numbers and dividing by the total count.

Converting letter grades (like A, B, C) to numerical values for calculations. This requires establishing a system for assigning numerical equivalents to the letter grades.