Problem Solving in Class VIII

Problem Solving

INTRODUCTION TO PROBLEM SOLVING AND PROGRAMMING

LEARNING OBJECTIVE OF THE CHAPTER

Objectives for this class

1. Appreciate the concept of Algorithm

2. Appreciate the concept of Flowchart

3. Explain different symbols used in a flowchart

4. Introduction of a Program.

We face problems in our day to day life

• Either we get puzzled how to solve them

• or We find a step by step solution to our problem

Let us play a game: You have to solve the puzzle by writing only the below mentioned instructions:

• Move One Square Right

• Move One Square Left

• Move One Square Down

• Fill in Square with Color

Here we are using step wise procedure for doing our work.

NOW YOU SOLVE A SIMILAR PROBLEM BY USING THE SAME TECHNIQUE

Now Solve this question

Multiple Choice

1. Move One Square Right

2. Move One Square Left

3. Move One Square Down

4. Fill in square with colour

• 1->1->4->2->3->1->4

• 1->1->4->2->3->4

• 1->1->4->3->4

• 1->1->2->4->3->4

So,

Step-by-step method for solving any problem is called Algorithm

Now in place of writing the instructions in sentences we can use specific symbols to represent our instructions.

As for example in place of the lines we can use the following symbol:

• Move one step Right we can use right arrow key

• Move one step Left we can use left arrow key

• Move one step up we can use up arrow key

• Move one step down we can use down arrow key

• And to color the box we can use zigzag arrow key.

Like This

Multiple Select

Tick the correct answer to solve the problem

FLOWCHART & ITS USES

In computer terminology the symbols used for representing the solution to a problem is called Flowchart.

USES OF FLOWCHART

1. To specify the method of solving a problem.

2. To plan the sequence of a computer program.

3. Communicate ideas, solutions etc.

Flow chart symbols and their purpose

Multiple Choice

Diamond symbol in flow chart is used for

• End or Stop

• Connectors

• Yes or No Branching

• input or print data

PROGRAM

When we code these instructions using some specific rules, and can be run by a computer it is called Program.