Computational Thinking (ATS Prepare)

Computational thinking is?

• Logically solving problems

• Programming

• Coding

• Thinking like a computer

Answer explanation

Computational thinking refers to the ability to approach problems in a logical and systematic way, breaking them down into smaller steps and analyzing them. It involves identifying patterns, formulating algorithms, and using logical reasoning to solve problems. While programming and coding are related to computational thinking, they are not the same. Computational thinking is a broader concept that encompasses the ability to think and solve problems like a computer, rather than just the act of writing code. Therefore, the correct answer is logically solving problems.

Which of these is an example of abstraction?

• Ignore the colour of a player token in a snakes ladder game model.

• The layers in a network protocol stack

• Break a complex problem into modules using top down design

• Use a pre-written library of procedures and functions to perform operations such as sorting and searching.

• Subdividing a problem into smaller tasks that different teams can work on independently.

Answer explanation

Abstraction is the process of simplifying complex systems by breaking them down into smaller, manageable components. Subdividing a problem into smaller tasks that different teams can work on independently is an example of abstraction because it involves breaking down a complex problem into smaller, more manageable tasks that can be tackled separately. This allows different teams to focus on their specific tasks without needing to understand the entire problem at once, thus simplifying the overall problem-solving process.

What is _______ taking a complex problem and breaking it down into a series of small more manageable problems called?

• Abstraction

• Pattern Recognition

• Decomposition

• Algorithms

Answer explanation

Decomposition is the process of breaking down a complex problem into a series of smaller, more manageable problems. This allows for easier problem-solving as each small problem can be tackled individually. Abstraction refers to the process of simplifying a problem by removing unnecessary details. Pattern recognition involves identifying similarities or patterns in data or information. Algorithms are step-by-step procedures or instructions for solving a problem.

What is __________ problems looked at individually, considering how similar problems have been solved previously called?

• Abstraction

• Decomposition

• Pattern Recognition

• Algorithms

Answer explanation

Pattern recognition refers to the process of identifying similarities and patterns among different problems or situations. It involves analyzing how similar problems have been solved previously and applying those solutions to new problems. This approach allows for the decomposition of complex problems into smaller, more manageable parts, and the abstraction of general principles or patterns that can be applied across different contexts. Therefore, pattern recognition is the most suitable term to describe the process of looking at problems individually and considering how similar problems have been solved previously.

What is _______ focusing only on the important details, while ignoring irrelevant information called?

• Pattern Recognition

• Decomposition

• Algorithms

• Abstraction

Answer explanation

Abstraction is the process of focusing only on the important details while ignoring irrelevant information. It involves simplifying complex systems or concepts by breaking them down into more manageable and understandable parts. By abstracting, we can create models or representations that capture the essential features of the system or concept, making it easier to analyze and work with. This allows us to focus on the key aspects and disregard unnecessary details, leading to more efficient problem-solving and decision-making

What is _______ simple steps or rules to solve each of the smaller problems can be designed called?

• Algorithms

• Pattern Recognition

• Abstraction

• Decomposition

Answer explanation

Algorithms are a set of simple steps or rules that are designed to solve smaller problems. They provide a systematic approach to problem-solving by breaking down complex tasks into manageable steps. Algorithms help in organizing and structuring the problem-solving process, making it easier to understand and implement. They are used in various fields, including mathematics, computer science, and everyday life, to efficiently solve problems and achieve desired outcomes.

Decomposition makes problems ___________.

• Easier to understand

• Better to code

• Harder to solve

• More manageable

Answer explanation

Decomposition is a problem-solving technique that involves breaking down a complex problem into smaller, more manageable parts. By doing so, it becomes easier to understand and analyze each individual component, leading to a better understanding of the overall problem. Additionally, decomposing a problem makes it more manageable as it allows for a step-by-step approach to solving it, focusing on one component at a time. Therefore, the correct answer is "Easier to understand, More manageable."

Which of these are pillars of computational thinking?

• Decomposition: Breaking down data, processes, or problems into smaller, manageable parts

• Abstraction: Identifying the most important details and discarding the unimportant aspects to make the solution manageable

• Functional programming - treats computation as the evaluation of mathematical functions and avoids changing-state and mutable data

• Pattern Recognition: Observing patterns, trends, and regularities in data

• Algorithm Design: Developing the step by step instructions for solving this and similar problems

Answer explanation

The pillars of computational thinking include decomposition, abstraction, pattern recognition, and algorithm design. Decomposition involves breaking down data, processes, or problems into smaller, more manageable parts. Abstraction involves identifying the most important details and discarding the unimportant aspects to make the solution manageable. Pattern recognition is the ability to observe patterns, trends, and regularities in data. Algorithm design is the process of developing step-by-step instructions for solving a problem and similar problems. These pillars are essential in computational thinking as they help in problem-solving and developing efficient solutions.

Which of the figures can be used to continue the series given below?

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Answer explanation

The base figure rotates at an angle of 45⁰ in the anti-clockwise direction. Hence choice C is the perfect match.

Which of the figures, you think best fits the series below?

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Answer explanation

The base figure rotates at an angle of 90⁰ in the clockwise direction. Hence choice A is the best fit.