Understanding Algorithms and Programs

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Questions and Answers

What is the first step when writing an algorithm according to the activity?

Sequence the steps of the algorithm.

Answer reflection questions.

Read the prompt for your algorithm. (correct)

Evaluate the algorithm for efficiency.

When checking if an algorithm is successful, which question is NOT included in the evaluation criteria?

Is this efficient?

Is this algorithm unique? (correct)

Will I achieve the desired outcome each time?

Did I use the least amount of steps?

What should you do if the steps in an algorithm are not in the correct order?

Delete unnecessary steps.

Rewrite the steps in the correct order. (correct)

Evaluate the efficiency of the steps.

Add new steps to the algorithm.

How many algorithms must you write out in the activity?

Three algorithms. Signup and view all the answers

What is an essential characteristic of the instructions when writing an algorithm?

They should be clear and concise. Signup and view all the answers

During the reflection stage, what is NOT a reflection question you should ask yourself?

Is this algorithm user-friendly? Signup and view all the answers

What is the final task in the first step of the student activity guide?

Evaluate and re-sequence the algorithms. Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is NOT part of the steps to evaluate an algorithm?

Consider the time taken to perform the steps. Signup and view all the answers

What is the first step in the algorithm for washing hands?

Wet your hands under the sink. Signup and view all the answers

Which algorithm step comes after adding pasta to the boiling water?

Cook the pasta for the indicated time. Signup and view all the answers

In the pasta cooking algorithm, what should you do before adding the pasta?

Turn on the range to boil water. Signup and view all the answers

How long should you lather the soap in between your hands while washing them?

20 seconds. Signup and view all the answers

What best defines an algorithm?

A set of step-by-step instructions to perform a specific task. Signup and view all the answers

What is the last step in the handwashing algorithm?

Turn the sink off. Signup and view all the answers

Which action is performed after draining the pasta?

Add sauce. Signup and view all the answers

What is the correct sequence to begin brushing your teeth?

Rinse toothbrush, wet, apply toothpaste. Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Algorithms and Programs

An algorithm is a set of step-by-step instructions for completing a specific task, with or without a computer.
A program is a set of instructions written in coding language that a computer can follow to perform a specific task.

Evaluating Algorithms

An algorithm is successful if the steps can be followed in sequence to achieve the desired outcome every time.
An efficient algorithm uses the least amount of steps to accomplish its goal.

Example Algorithms

Getting to School:
- Leave the house.
- Walk to the bus stop.
- Wait for the bus.
- Board the bus.
- Ride the bus to the school.
- Get off the bus.
- Walk to the school.
Checking Email:
- Open your email app.
- Enter your email address and password.
- Click login.
- Read your emails.
- Click the reply button to respond to an email.
- Click the send button to send a reply.
Brushing Teeth:
- Wet your toothbrush and apply a pea-sized amount of toothpaste.
- Place the toothbrush in your mouth.
- Use gentle circular motions to brush the fronts, backs, and tops of your teeth.
- Rinse your mouth and toothbrush with water.
Cooking Pasta:
- Fill a pot with water.
- Turn on the range to boil the water.
- Add pasta to the boiling water.
- Cook the pasta for the amount of time indicated on the package.
- Drain the pasta.
- Serve pasta with your choice of sauce.
Washing Hands:
- Turn the sink on.
- Wet your hands with water.
- Put soap on your hands.
- Lather the soap for 20 seconds.
- Wash the soap off your hands with water.
- Turn the sink off.

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Description

This quiz focuses on the fundamental concepts of algorithms and programming. It explores how algorithms function as step-by-step instructions and the characteristics of effective algorithms. Learn through practical examples, showcasing everyday tasks using algorithms.