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An Algorithm and Flowchart

An algorithm is a step-by-step procedure for solving problems, characterized by finiteness, definiteness, input, output, effectiveness, generality, and language independence. The document provides examples of algorithms for various problems, such as finding sums, determining the largest number, checking even or odd status, and calculating factorials. Additionally, it defines flowcharts as visual representations of algorithms, detailing common symbols used in flowcharting.

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9 views6 pages

An Algorithm and Flowchart

An algorithm is a step-by-step procedure for solving problems, characterized by finiteness, definiteness, input, output, effectiveness, generality, and language independence. The document provides examples of algorithms for various problems, such as finding sums, determining the largest number, checking even or odd status, and calculating factorials. Additionally, it defines flowcharts as visual representations of algorithms, detailing common symbols used in flowcharting.

Uploaded by

rchcharantumula
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
Available Formats
Download as PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd

Algorithm:

An algorithm is a step-by-step procedure to solve a problem or perform a task. Its key


characteristics are:

1. Finiteness
o An algorithm must always terminate after a finite number of steps.
o It cannot go on indefinitely.
2. Definiteness
o Each step of an algorithm must be precisely and unambiguously defined.
o There should be no confusion about what action to perform.
3. Input
o An algorithm may have zero or more inputs.
o These are the values given to the algorithm to work upon.
4. Output
o An algorithm must produce at least one output.
o The output is the solution or result of the problem.
5. Effectiveness
o Every step of an algorithm must be simple enough to be performed exactly
and in finite time.
6. Generality
o An algorithm should solve all instances of a problem, not just a single case.
7. Language Independence
o Algorithms can be implemented in any programming language; they are not
tied to a specific language.

Example-1:

Problem: Find the sum of two numbers.

Algorithm:

1. Start.

2. Read two numbers, A and B.

3. Add A and B and store the result in SUM.

4. Display SUM.

5. Stop.

Problem-2: Find the largest of three numbers

Algorithm:

1. Start.

2. Read three numbers: A, B, and C.

3. If A > B and A > C, then

o Largest = A
Else if B > C, then
o Largest = B
Else

o Largest = C

4. Display Largest.

5. Stop.

Problem-3: Check whether a number is even or odd

Algorithm:

1. Start.

2. Read a number, N.

3. Divide N by 2 and find the remainder.

4. If remainder = 0, then

o Display “N is even.”
Else

o Display “N is odd.”

5. Stop.

Problem-4: Find the sum of first N natural numbers

Algorithm:

1. Start.

2. Read a number, N.

3. Initialize SUM = 0 and COUNTER = 1.

4. While COUNTER ≤ N, do:

o SUM = SUM + COUNTER

o COUNTER = COUNTER + 1

5. Display SUM.

6. Stop.

Problem-5: Find the factorial of a number (N!)

Algorithm:

1. Start.

2. Read a number, N.

3. Initialize FACTORIAL = 1 and COUNTER = 1.

4. While COUNTER ≤ N, do:


o FACTORIAL = FACTORIAL × COUNTER

o COUNTER = COUNTER + 1

5. Display FACTORIAL.

6. Stop.

Definition of Flowchart

A flowchart is a diagrammatic representation of an algorithm, process, or workflow.

• It uses standard symbols to show the sequence of steps.


• Helps in visualizing logic, understanding processes, and debugging errors.

Common Flowchart Symbols

Symbol Name Purpose / Usage


Oval / Ellipse Start / Stop Represents the start or end of a process.
Rectangle Process / Task Represents instructions or operations.
Parallelogram Input / Output Represents inputting data or displaying output.
Diamond Decision Represents a decision or condition (Yes/No).
Arrow Flow Line Shows the direction of flow from one step to another.
Example:
Check Even or Odd

Biggest of given 3
numbers

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