code
Understanding and Editing Pseudocode
Algorithms
IGCSE Computing for Grade 9
Learning Objectives
lightbulb
visibility Follow and understand algorithms presented as pseudocode
search Identify key features of algorithms
edit Edit algorithms to change their functionality
build Correct errors in algorithms
What is Pseudocode?
code
Pseudocode is a simplified, informal way of describing an algorithm that uses the structural conventions of
programming languages but is intended for human reading rather than machine reading.
block Not actual programming code
description Uses plain language with programming structure
visibility Easy to understand and follow
devices Platform independent
Key Features of Pseudocode Algorithms
format_list_bulleted
Sequential structure (steps in order) Input/Output operations
sort input
Variables to store data Decision making (if/then/else)
storage call_split
Repetition (loops) Clear and readable format
loop visibility
Basic Programming Techniques in Pseudocode
code
input 1. Inputs output 2. Outputs storage 3. Variables
Getting data from users Displaying results Storing data for later use
INPUT name OUTPUT result number1 = 10
Example Algorithm 1: Simple Addition
add_circle
code Pseudocode lightbulb Explanation
This algorithm takes two numbers as input, adds them
number1 = input("Enter a number")
together, and outputs the result.
number2 = input("Enter a number")
input Inputs: Two numbers from user
result = number1 + number2
calculate Process: Addition operation
print(result)
output Output: Sum of the numbers
Activity: Following and Understanding Algorithm 1
groups
assignment Instructions notifications Note
help_outline What does this algorithm do?
Be
search What are the key features of this algorithm? share your with the
prepared
observations class.
code What programming techniques are used? to
input Identify the inputs, decisions, and outputs
Editing Algorithms: Changing Operations
edit
arrow_back Before arrow_forward After
number1 = input("Enter a number") number1 = input("Enter a number")
number2 = input("Enter a number") number2 = input("Enter a number")
result = number1 + number2 result = number1 * number2
print(result) print(result)
lightbulb We changed the addition operator (+) to multiplication operator (*) to change the algorithm's functionality.
Example Algorithm 2: Complex Calculations
calculate
code Pseudocode lightbulb Explanation
This algorithm takes two numbers as input, divides the
number1 = input("Enter a number")
first by the second, and outputs the result.
number2 = input("Enter a number")
input Inputs: Two numbers from user
result = number1 / number2
calculate Process: Division operation
print(result)
warning Potential issue: Division by zero
output Output: Quotient of the numbers
Activity: Editing Algorithm 2
edit
assignment Challenge
Change this algorithm so that it subtracts the second input from the first, then multiplies this new value by the first input and
outputs this value
arrow_back Before arrow_forward After
number1 = input("Enter a number") number1 = input("Enter a number")
number2 = input("Enter a number") number2 = input("Enter a number")
result = number1 / number2 result = (number1 - number2) *
number1
print(result)
print(result)
Example Algorithm 3: Working with Outputs
output
code Pseudocode lightbulb Explanation
This algorithm takes a name and age as input, but only
name = input("Enter your name")
outputs a greeting with the name.
age = input("Enter your age")
input Inputs: Name and age
print("Hello ", name)
storage Variables: name, age
error_outline Issue: Age is collected but not used
output Output: Only includes name
Activity: Editing Algorithm 3
edit
assignment Challenge
Change this algorithm so that it outputs the name and age that the user has input in a sentence
arrow_back Before arrow_forward After
name = input("Enter your name") name = input("Enter your name")
age = input("Enter your age") age = input("Enter your age")
print("Hello ", name) print("Hello ", name, " you are ",
age, " years old")
Example Algorithm 4: Selection Statements
call_split
code Pseudocode lightbulb Explanation
This algorithm takes a number as input and checks if it
value = input("Enter a number")
is greater than 10. If it is, it outputs 'Valid'.
if(value > 10):
input Input: A number from user
print("Valid")
call_split Selection: if statement with condition
compare_arrows Condition: value > 10
output Output: "Valid" only if condition is true
Activity: Editing Algorithm 4
edit
filter_1 Challenge 1
Change this algorithm so that it only outputs 'Valid' when the number is greater than 0
arrow_back Before
arrow_forward After
value = input("Enter a number") value = input("Enter a number")
if(value > 10): if(value > 0):
print("Valid") print("Valid")
filter_2 Challenge 2
Change this algorithm so that if the user enters the '+' symbol, the two numbers are added together
arrow_back Before
arrow_forward After
number1 = input("Enter a number") number1 = input("Enter a number")
number2 = input("Enter a number") number2 = input("Enter a number")
symbol = input("Enter the symbol") symbol = input("Enter the symbol")
if(symbol == "*"): if(symbol == "*"):
print(number1 * number2) print(number1 * number2)
elseif(symbol == "+"):
print(number1 + number2)
Example Algorithm 5: Adding Conditions
add_circle_outline
code Pseudocode lightbulb Explanation
This algorithm takes a number as input and checks if it
value = input("Enter a number")
is greater than or equal to 10. If it is, it outputs 'Valid'.
if(value >= 10):
input Input: A number from user
print("Valid")
call_split Selection: if statement with condition
compare_arrows Condition: value >= 10
output Output: "Valid" only if condition is true
Activity: Editing Algorithm 5
edit
assignment Challenge
Change this algorithm so that it also checks if the number entered is less than or equal to 1000
arrow_back Before arrow_forward After
value = input("Enter a number") value = input("Enter a number")
if(value >= 10): if(value >= 10 and value <= 1000):
print("Valid") print("Valid")
tips_and_updates Use logical operator 'and' to combine conditions
Example Algorithm 6: Changing Algorithm Purpose
transform
code Pseudocode lightbulb Explanation
This algorithm initializes x and y to 0, then adds user
x = 0
input values to each.
y = 0
storage Variables: x and y initialized to 0
x = x + input("Enter x value change")
input Inputs: Two values from user
y = y + input("Enter y value change")
calculate Process: Addition to variables
change_circle Next: Change to directional movement
Activity: Editing Algorithm 6
transform
assignment Challenge
Change this algorithm so that it inputs a direction from the user (up, down, left or right). When up is entered, the y value is
increased by 1. When down is entered, the y value is decreased by 1. When right is entered, the x value is increased by 1. When left
is entered, the x value is decreased by 1.
arrow_back Before arrow_forward After
x = 0 x = 0
y = 0 y = 0
x = x + input("Enter x value change") direction = input("Enter up, down,
left or right")
y = y + input("Enter y value change")
if(direction == "up"):
y = y + 1
elseif(direction == "down"):
y = y - 1
elseif(direction == "left"):
x = x - 1
elseif(direction == "right"):
x = x + 1
else
print("Invalid direction")
call_split Selection Logic navigation Direction Control add_circle_outline Increment/Decrement error_outline Error Handling explore
Debugging: Identifying and Correcting Errors
bug_report
error_outline Common Errors in Algorithms build Debugging Process
psychology Logical Errors 1 Identify the problem
Algorithm works but produces wrong results
2 Locate where the error occurs
code Syntax Errors
Incorrect pseudocode structure
3 Determine the cause
play_circle_outline Runtime Errors
Problems during execution
4 Fix the error
5 Test the corrected algorithm
Summary and Key Takeaways
summarize
lightbulb Key Takeaways
description Pseudocode is a simplified way to describe algorithms using programming structure
format_list_bulleted Key features include inputs, outputs, variables, and decision making
edit Editing algorithms involves changing operations, outputs, conditions, and even the
help_outline
entire purpose
Questions?
bug_report Debugging is a systematic process of identifying and correcting errors
psychology Practice following, understanding, editing, and correcting algorithms to build your
computational thinking skills
