INTRODUCTION TO
ALGORITHMS &
FLOWCHARTS
LESSON OBJECTIVES
At the end of this lesson, I should;
Be able to understand what an algorithm is
Be able to understand and identify some characteristics of a
good computer program algorithm
Be able to understand what a flow chart is.
Be able to identify the symbols used in flowchart and their
meanings.
Be able to identify the rules for drawing flowcharts
Be able to represent algorithms on flowcharts.
ALGORITHM
Have you ever given steps to guide someone to do something?
Let’s assume someone wants to cook plain rice. State the steps
the person should follow to cook the plain rice.
What do you know about the word recipe?
Have you ever heard the word “Algorithm”? Share what you
know about it.
ALGORITHM
An algorithm is a set of well-defined steps used to complete a
task.
Algorithms help computer programmers better understand how
to write their instructions for the computer to perform a task.
It is a simplified version of the steps the computer must follow
to perform a task.
Algorithms can be likened to recipes for preparing meals
As a computer programmer, it is very important for you to learn
CHARACTERISTICS OF A GOOD
ALGORITHM
Well –defined inputs
Well-defined outputs
Well-defined processes
Unambiguity: it should be precise & not opened to more than 1
interpretation
Finiteness
Language independence
Feasibility: must be applicable/possible to do.
EXAMPLES OF ALGORITHMS
An algorithm for preparing plain rice
Step [Link] the rice to be cooked. Step 9. IF THE RICE IS BOILED THEN GOTO STEP 12
Step 2. Procure the container. ELSE GOTO STEP 10
Step 3. Procure the water. ENDIF
Step 4. Wash the rice in the water. Step 10. Heat the container.
Step 5. Put the rice into the container. Step 11. Go to step 9.
Step 6. Pour water into the container. Step 12. Turn off the flame.
Step 7. IF WATER LEVEL = 1 INCH ABOVE THE RICE Step 13. Move the container off the stove. Step
THEN GOTO STEP 8 14. Distribute the cooked rice.
ELSE GOTO STEP 6 Step 15. STOP.
ENDIF
Light the burner on the stove.
EXAMPLES OF ALGORITHMS
An algorithm to calculate the sum of two
numbers.
1. Start
2. Input A, B (A represents the first number the user will enter and B
represents the second. A and B are known as variables which will be
discussed later)
3. Calculate the sum of the two numbers; S = A+B (note that S is a variable
used to store the sum of the two numbers)
4. Display the result of the calculation (S)
5. Stop
EXAMPLES OF ALGORITHMS
Write an algorithm to calculate the average of
two numbers.
1. Start
2. Input Num1 , Num2
3. Calculate the sum of the two numbers; S=Num1 + Num2
4. Calculate the average; Avg= S/2
5. Display Avg
6. Stop
EXAMPLES OF ALGORITHMS
Write an algorithm to calculate the volume of a
rectangular box.
1. Start
2. Input L, B, H
3. Calculate the Volume; V= L*B*H
4. Display V
5. Stop
FLOWCHART
It is the pictorial representation of algorithms using predefined
symbols.
FLOWCHART SYMBOLS & THEIR
MEANINGS
FLOWCHART SYMBOLS & THEIR
MEANINGS
FLOWCHART SYMBOLS & THEIR
MEANINGS
GOLDEN RULES FOR WRITING
ALGORITHMS
● Only the standard symbols should be used in program flowcharts.
● The program logic should depict the flow from top to bottom and from left to
right.
● Each symbol used in a program flowchart should contain only one entry point
and one exit point, with the exception of the decision symbol. This is known as the
single rule.
● The operations shown within a symbol of a program flowchart should be
expressed independently of any particular programming language.
● All decision branches should be well-labeled.
FLOWCHARTS FOR ALGORITHMS
Flowchart to represent algorithm for calculating sum
of 2 numbers
Start
A represents the first number
Input A, B --------------
B represents the second number
S represents the sum of the 2
-------------
S = A+B numbers
Display S
END/STOP
FLOWCHARTS FOR ALGORITHMS
Flowchart to represent algorithm for calculating Average of 2
numbers
Start
Input A, B ------------------------------------
A represents the first number
B represents the second number
S stands represents the sum of the
S = A+B ------------------------------------
2 numbers
Avg = S/2 ------------------------------------ Avg represents the average of the
2 numbers
Display Avg
END/STOP
FLOWCHARTS FOR ALGORITHMS
Flowchart to show how a student’s registration number and grades in 3 subjects, m1, m2, and m3, are
displayed along with the total average grade.
FLOWCHARTS FOR ALGORITHMS
Flowchart to represent algorithm for calculating Average of 2
numbers
Start
Input REG-NO
Print “Enter grade
of three subjects
Input M1, M2, M3
T=M1+M2+M3
AVG=T/3
Print “Average Score is”, AVG,
“for student with regn. No. ”, REG-NO
END/STOP
FLOWCHARTS FOR ALGORITHMS
DECISION MAKING ALGORITHM FLOWCHARTS
Question: Draw the flowchart of a program that calculates the area of a
square. If the area is a number divisible by 2, it should display “Even
Number”, else it should display “Might be odd number”.
FLOWCHARTS FOR ALGORITHMS
DECISION MAKING ALGORITHM FLOWCHARTS
ANSWER Start
Input L
A = L*L
“Might be odd number” No Is A divisible Yes “Even number”
by 2?
END/STOP
QUICK RECAP
An algorithm is a set of well-defined steps used to complete a
task.
Algorithms can be likened to recipes for preparing meals
Some characteristics of a good algorithm are; well defined
inputs, well defined processing, well defined outputs,
unambiguity, finiteness, feasibility etc.
Flowchart is the pictorial representation of algorithms using
predefined symbols.
What is Next
Introduction to Python programming language
Python basic syntax
DALIJAY TECH HUB
