Introduction To Problem Solving

What is Problem Solving?

A series of defined activities/steps that should lead to solving a problem, these activities include:

A problem Definition –a statement (a paragraph or series of paragraphs) outlining the nature of the problem

Proposition and evaluation of solution –the creation of one or more algorithms (pseudocodeor flowcharts); truth tables

Determination of most efficient solution –comparison of algorithms to test for numbers of steps, no of variables dry , runs, etc

Develop and represent algorithm–using a programming language ( PASCAL )

Test and validate solution –debugging

Problem Definition

–a statement (a paragraph or series of paragraphs) outlining the nature of the problem

E.g. of some problem definitions:

1.Write an algorithm to find the average of three numbers

2.Find the aggregate of the marks earned by a student in his Easter Terminal Examination

3.To enter a them park children under 12 pay $300.00, children over 12 and adults pay$700.00 and babies 2 years and under pay nothing. Input the number of persons entering the park. Read whether a person entering the park is an adult, child or baby and calculate the total revenue earned by the park for that day.

Proposition and evaluation of the solution

–the creation of one or more algorithms (pseudocodeor flowcharts); truth tables

E.g. of simple narrative

1.Get students mark for the following subjects –Math, English, IT

2.Add the marks of each subject and divide the sum by three (3)

3.State the result

Now you try!

–Try to write the steps involved in solving the following problems:

1.Find the aggregate of the marks earned by a student in his Easter Terminal Examination

2.To enter a them park children under 12 pay $300.00, children over 12 and adults pay $700.00 and babies 2 years and under pay nothing. Input the number of persons entering the park. Read whether a person entering the park is an adult, child or baby and calculate