Understanding Algorithms and Computer Functions

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Questions and Answers

What defines a computer as a programmable machine?

Its speed in processing information.

Its memory storage capacity.

Its ability to follow instructions. (correct)

Its capacity to perform physical tasks.

Why can computers perform various jobs?

Because they are connected to the internet.

Because they are built with multiple components.

Because they can be programmed for different tasks. (correct)

Because they have advanced artificial intelligence.

Which statement best describes the functionality of computers?

Computers can adapt to perform numerous tasks through programming. (correct)

Computers can only perform tasks they were initially designed for.

Computers can only execute pre-defined instructions.

Computers rely solely on user input to function.

What is NOT a characteristic of a computer?

It has emotional intelligence. Signup and view all the answers

What aspect of computers allows them to be used in various fields?

Their programmability enables them to follow different instructions. Signup and view all the answers

What is the initial step required to solve a mathematical or computer problem?

Formulating an algorithm Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following correctly describes an algorithm?

A sequence of processes involving computations and reasoning Signup and view all the answers

What are some ways an algorithm can be presented?

Through natural language, pseudocode, and flowcharts Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is NOT typically included in an algorithm?

Emotional judgment Signup and view all the answers

Which statement best reflects the purpose of an algorithm?

To outline a structured method for solving problems Signup and view all the answers

What is the purpose of the function 'calc_pay'?

To perform calculations related to payment Signup and view all the answers

Which action is performed after calling the 'calc_pay' function?

Display results Signup and view all the answers

What type of values does the function 'calc_pay' likely return?

Calculated payment values Signup and view all the answers

What is the first action performed in the code sequence provided?

Read Input Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following best describes the flow of operations in the provided code?

Read input, calculate pay, display results Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary purpose of an algorithm?

To outline a set of steps for solving a problem Signup and view all the answers

During which phase do programmers generally create an algorithm?

Problem-solving phase Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following statements best describes the implementation phase?

It focuses on writing code in a specific programming language Signup and view all the answers

What distinguishes an algorithm from a flowchart?

Algorithms provide a written sequence of steps, while flowcharts visually represent processes Signup and view all the answers

In the context of programming, why are algorithms essential?

They help developers communicate complex operations in a structured way Signup and view all the answers

What formula is used to calculate the Gross Salary based on hours worked and hourly rate?

Gross Salary = H * R Signup and view all the answers

How is the tax amount calculated from the Gross Salary?

Tax = (15/100) * Gross Salary Signup and view all the answers

What is the formula for calculating the Net Salary?

Net Salary = Gross Salary - Tax Signup and view all the answers

If the Gross Salary is $1000, what would be the amount deducted as tax?

$150 Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following components is NOT part of the salary calculation process described?

Calculating Distance Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary language that computers execute directly?

Machine language Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following correctly describes machine language instructions?

They are binary numbers. Signup and view all the answers

Why do programmers prefer to use programming languages instead of machine language?

Programming languages are easier to understand and write. Signup and view all the answers

What form does machine language primarily take?

Binary numbers Signup and view all the answers

In what scenario would a programmer directly use machine language?

When needing maximum performance optimization Signup and view all the answers

Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Lecture 1: Fundamental Of Structured Programming

The lecture covers fundamental structured programming concepts and algorithmic problem-solving.
This includes primitive data types, control structures, functions, parameter passing, top-down design, arrays, files, and the processes of compiling, running, testing, and debugging programs.

Assessment

Final Term Examination: 50%
Quiz_1: 5%
Quiz_2: 5%
Midterm Exam: 15%
Attendance: 5%
Sections: 20%

Grading Scale

A+ : ≥ 90%, GPA ≥ 3.7
A: 85% - 89%, GPA = 3-3.69
B+: 80%-84%, GPA = 2.7-2.99
B : 75% - 79%, GPA = 2.4 - 2.69
C+: 70% - 74%, GPA = 2 - 2.39
C : 65% - 69%, GPA = 1.7 - 1.99
D+ : 60% - 64%, GPA = 1.4 - 1.69
D: 50%-59% , GPA = 1 - 1.39
F : < 50%, GPA = 0

Textbook References

Starting out with C++: From Control Structures through Objects, Ninth Edition, by Tony Gaddis.

Course Materials

Course materials are available on Google Drive.
The link to the Google Drive folder is: https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1tPM-3Xj4whtwlWia_tA0GaZVx_FTvJoC?usp=sharing

Topics Covered

Chapter 1: Introduction to Computers and Programming
Why Program?
- Computer: A programmable machine that follows instructions.
- Computers are programmable; can do many jobs.
- Program: Instructions in computer memory that make it do something (referred to as software).
- Programmer: Writes instructions (programs) to make computers perform tasks.
Computer Systems: Hardware and Software
- All computer systems consist of similar hardware devices and software components. (Examples of hardware devices and software are shown in the lecture)
Main Hardware Component Categories
- Central Processing Unit (CPU): Retrieves and decodes instructions and coordinates activities of other parts of the computer.
  - Arithmetic & Logic Unit (ALU): Optimizes for high-speed numeric calculations and true/false decisions.
- Main Memory (RAM): Volatile memory; erased when the program terminates or the computer is turned off.
  - Byte: Basic memory unit sufficient for a letter or small number.
  - Bit: The smallest piece of memory. Can have values 0 (off, false) or 1 (on, true). Bytes have unique addresses.
- Secondary Storage Devices: Data can be held for extended periods of time, even if there is no power to the computer. Non-volatile.
  - Magnetic: Traditional hard drives
  - Solid-state Memory/Storage
  - Optical: CD-ROM, DVD
  - Flash drives
- Input Devices: Send information to the computer from outside.
  - Keyboard, mouse, touchscreen, scanner, digital camera, microphone, disk drives, CD drives, DVD drives
- Output Devices: Send information from the computer to the outside world.
  - Screens, printers, and speakers
Software
- Two general categories: system software and application software
  - System software: Controls and manages basic computer operations.
  - Application software: Makes computers useful for everyday tasks
  - Examples of system and application software shown (images of logos)
Programs and Programming Languages
- Program: A set of instructions a computer follows to perform a task.
- Algorithm: Instructions that tell the computer how to solve a problem or perform a task (these instructions are the 'steps' or actions to be carried out).
- Programming Languages: A special language used to write computer programs.
Types of Programming Languages
- Low-level: Used to directly communicate with computer hardware. Often written in binary machine code (0's/1's).
- High-level: Closer to human language.
Machine Language
- The computer only executes machine language instructions, which are binary numbers.
Some Well-Known Programming Languages (List of languages shown)
Algorithms and Flowcharts
- Tools to represent a program’s processes.
- A typical programming task divides into problem-solving and implementation phases, with algorithms being the ordered sequence of steps to solve problems and the implementation phase bringing the algorithm to life in a language.
Algorithm
- A set of well-defined steps to perform a task or solve a problem with steps sequentially ordered
Pseudocode
- An artificial yet informal language similar to everyday English used to develop algorithms, examples given in lecture.
Flowchart
- A visual representation of the program’s steps, using standard geometric shapes connected by arrows.
- Displays the logic of an algorithm with a focus on individual steps and their interconnection.
Standard Symbols used in Flowcharts
- Terminal: Start/Stop/End represented by rounded rectangles.
- Input/Output: Obtaining data/recording results represented by parallelograms.
- Process: Instructions represented by rectangles.
- Decision: Branching represented by diamonds. Shows a choice between two paths.
- Flow Direction Lines: Indicate the order of execution.
- Comments: Used to describe processes (represented by a dashed line and description box).
- Connector: Used to link elements on the same page. Represented by a small circle.
- Off-page Connector: Used to connect items to be joined that are on different pages.
- Predefined Process: The symbol represents a predefined process when the flowchart that defines the process itself is not included in the current set of flowcharts.
Flowchart Structures: (Sequence, Decision, Repetition or loop, Case structures and an example shown for each)

Exercises

Several exercises are provided for designing flowcharts, including those for converting temperatures, calculating sums, differences, products, quotients (on various inputs), and converting units. Additional exercises include writing algorithms to find the largest number/smallest number from varying amounts of inputs and more complex calculations.

Assignment

Students are given assignment to create flowcharts that meet specific criteria. The assigned tasks include algorithm design for various calculations (summing numbers, identifying largest/smallest of various inputs, etc.).

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Description

This quiz explores fundamental concepts of algorithms and their roles in computer programming. Questions will test your understanding of how computers work as programmable machines and the characteristics that define their functionality. Get ready to enhance your knowledge on algorithms, functions, and the various aspects that allow computers to perform diverse tasks.