Short Answer Questions

1. How do flowcharts help in debugging and error detection?(3)

Flowcharts are valuable tools in debugging and error detection because
they provide a clear, visual representation of a program’s logic, making it
easier to understand the flow and identify issues. Here’s how flowcharts
contribute to debugging:
1. Clear Visualization of Logic:
2. Isolating Errors Efficiently:
3. Simplifies Communication and Collaboration:
Using flowcharts during the planning and debugging stages ultimately leads
to more efficient and organized problem-solving.

2. Define algorithm and its features with an example(3)

An algorithm is a step-by-step procedure or set of rules for solving a specific problem or

accomplishing a task. Each step in an algorithm is well-defined, ensuring a consistent and
repeatable solution.

Features of an Algorithm

1. Finite Steps: An algorithm must have a limited number of steps and end after a finite
number of operations.
2. Well-Defined Instructions: Each step must be clear, unambiguous, and executable.
3. Input and Output: It should accept zero or more inputs and produce at least one output.
4. Deterministic: The algorithm should produce the same output every time for the same
input.
5. Effectiveness: Each step should be basic enough to be performed within a finite time.

Example Algorithm: Finding the Sum of Two Numbers

Here's a simple algorithm to find the sum of two numbers:

1. Step 1: Start.
2. Step 2: Take two numbers as input, say a and b.
3. Step 3: Calculate the sum, sum = a + b.
4. Step 4: Output the result (sum).
5. Step 5: End.

3. Explain the importance of flow chart in an algorithmic approach(3)

Flowcharts are essential in an algorithmic approach because they provide a

visual representation of the logical steps required to solve a problem. They
simplify the design and understanding of algorithms by breaking down the
 flow into clear, actionable steps. Here are three key reasons for their
importance:
Simplifies Complex Processes:
Enhances Debugging and Error Detection:
Improves Communication and Collaboration:

Flowcharts thus play a critical role in designing, understanding, and refining

algorithms, making them indispensable in an algorithmic approach.
4. What is pseudocode, and how is it different from a real programming
language?(3)

Pseudocode is a simplified, informal way of writing out the steps of an

algorithm, using plain language and a structured format. It describes the logic
and flow of a program without adhering to the strict syntax of a real
programming language. Pseudocode is often used for planning and designing
algorithms because it is easy to read and understand.
Syntax Flexibility:

Not Executable:
Language-Independent:

5. Explain the difference between an algorithm and a program.

An algorithm is a step-by-step sequence of instructions designed to solve a
specific problem or accomplish a task. A program, on the other hand, is an
actual implementation of one or more algorithms written in a programming
language that can be executed by a computer.
Algorithm is conceptual but program is executable
Algorithms are written in plain language but program is written in a specific
programming language
An algorithm is the blueprint for solving a problem, while a program is the full
application of that blueprint
 6. Draw a flowchart to find the smallest of three given numbers using
decision making (if…else structure)

7. Describe the basic structure of pseudocode. What are the common elements used?(3)

The basic structure of pseudocode consists of a simplified representation of an algorithm using

plain language and a logical sequence of steps. Pseudocode does not follow strict syntax but aims
to clearly describe each part of an algorithm, making it easy to understand and translate into any
programming language.

Common Elements Used in Pseudocode

1. Input and Output Statements:

o Used to specify data entry and display results.
o Example: INPUT number, OUTPUT result
2. Process Statements:
o Describes actions or calculations to be performed.
o Example: SET sum = a + b, INCREMENT count by 1
3. Decision-Making (Conditional Statements):
o Used to handle branching logic with IF...THEN...ELSE.
o Example:

IF age >= 18
THEN OUTPUT "Eligible to vote"
ELSE
OUTPUT "Not eligible to vote"
4. Loops (Repetition Statements):

Defines repeated actions with WHILE, FOR, or REPEAT...UNTIL.

5. End Statement:
Indicates the end of the pseudocode sequence.
Example: END

8. Write the pseudocode to find the sum of n numbers entered by the

user(3)

START
INPUT n // number of elements to be summed
SET sum = 0 // initialize sum to zero

FOR i = 1 TO n
INPUT number // get each number from the user
SET sum = sum + number // add the number to sum
END FOR

OUTPUT "Sum of the numbers is:", sum

END

9. Draw a flowchart to find the roots of a quadratic equation.(3)

10.Write an algorithm for finding largest of three numbers(3)

Start
Input three numbers, A, B, and C.
Check if A is greater than both B and C.

If Yes, then largest = A.

If No, go to the next step.

Check if B is greater than C.

If Yes, then largest = B.

If No, then largest = C.

Output the value of largest.

End

11. Depict the difference between algorithm and pseudocode with suitable examples(3)

The difference between an algorithm and pseudocode lies mainly in

their form and purpose, although both are used to outline a solution to a
problem. An algorithm is a structured, language-independent series of steps
for solving a problem, while pseudocode is a more detailed, plain-language
 representation of the algorithm with a structure similar to programming
code, used to guide actual coding.

Algorithm: Finding the Sum of Two Numbers

1. Start
2. Input two numbers, A and B
3. Set Sum = A + B
4. Output the value of Sum
5. End

Pseudocode

START

INPUT A, B // Get two numbers from the user

SET Sum = A + B // Calculate the sum

OUTPUT Sum // Display the result

END

12.Explain the role of control structures (if-else, loops) in pseudocode with an

example.(3)

Control structures in pseudocode, such as if-else statements and loops, are essential for directing
the flow of execution based on conditions and for repeating actions. These structures help in
making decisions and executing blocks of code multiple times, thereby enabling complex logic
to be implemented in an algorithm.
1. If-Else Statements

 Role: The if-else control structure allows the algorithm to make decisions based on
certain conditions. If a condition evaluates to true, a specific block of code is executed;
otherwise, an alternative block of code can be executed.

IF temperature < 0 THEN

OUTPUT "It's freezing!"
ELSE IF temperature < 20 THEN
OUTPUT "It's cold."
ELSE
OUTPUT "It's warm."
END IF

2. Loops

 Role: Loops are used to repeat a block of code multiple times until a specific condition is
met. This is useful for tasks like iterating over lists, performing calculations, or accepting
user inputs.

SET sum = 0
FOR i FROM 1 TO 5 DO
INPUT number
SET sum = sum + number
END FOR
OUTPUT "The total sum is:", sum

12.Explain the different symbols used in a flowchart and their meaning.

(3)
A flowchart is a type of diagram that represents a workflow or process. A
flowchart can also be defined as a diagrammatic representation of an
algorithm, a step-by-step approach to solving a task.
 ESSAY QUESTIONS

1. Compare the algorithm, flowchart and pseudocode with suitable

examples. (8)
 Algorithm: Offers a clear, sequential approach to problem-solving but can be less visually
intuitive than flowcharts.
 Flowchart: Provides a visual and intuitive way to represent processes, making it easier to
follow the flow of logic.
 Pseudocode: Bridges the gap between algorithms and programming, offering a

structured yet simple way to describe the logic in a way that's easy to translate into code.

Flowchart Example:

Pseudocode Example:

Algorithm:

𝑆𝑖𝑚𝑝𝑙𝑒 𝑖𝑛𝑡𝑒𝑟𝑒𝑠𝑡 = 𝑃 ∗ 𝑁 ∗ 𝑅/100, Where 𝑃 is principle Amount, 𝑁 is the number of

years and 𝑅 is the rate of interest.Algorithm calculateSimpleInterset
Step 1: Read the three input quantities’ P, N and R
. Step 2: Calculate simple interest as
Simple interest = P* N* R/100
Step 3: Print simple interest.

Step 4: Stop.

2. Explain the main constructs of pseudocode (sequencing, selection, and repetition)

with examples. Write pseudo code for finding the largest of three numbers(8)
Pseudocode is a simplified representation of an algorithm that uses plain
language and structured formats to outline the steps needed to solve a
problem. The main constructs of pseudocode are sequencing, selection,
and repetition. Each of these constructs plays a critical role in controlling
the flow of execution.

1. Sequencing

 Definition: This construct refers to executing a series of statements in a

linear order. Each step is performed one after the other.

START
INPUT A
INPUT B
Sum = A + B
OUTPUT Sum
END

2. Selection (Decision Making)

 Definition: This construct allows the program to choose between different

paths based on conditions using IF...THEN...ELSE statements.

IF temperature < 0 THEN

OUTPUT "It's freezing!"
ELSE
OUTPUT "It's not freezing."
END IF
 3. Repetition (Loops)

 Definition: This construct enables the program to repeat a block of code

multiple times until a certain condition is met. It can be implemented using
constructs like FOR, WHILE, or REPEAT...UNTIL.

FOR i FROM 1 TO 5 DO
OUTPUT "Iteration", i
END FOR

Pseudocode for Finding the Largest of Three Numbers

START
// Input three numbers from the user
INPUT A
INPUT B
INPUT C

// Initialize Largest variable

SET Largest = A // Assume A is the largest

// Selection construct to find the largest

IF B > Largest THEN
SET Largest = B // Update Largest if B is greater
END IF

IF C > Largest THEN

SET Largest = C // Update Largest if C is greater
END IF

// Output the largest number

OUTPUT "The largest number is:", Largest
END

3.Draw a flowchart to find the roots of a quadratic equation(8)

4.Explain the role of flowchart in program development. What are the various
symbols used.(8)

also be defined as a diagrammatic representation of an algorithm, a step-

by-step approach to solving a task.
flowchart
 A flowchart is a type of diagram that represents an algorithm, workflow or process, showing the
steps as boxes of various kinds, and their order by connecting them with arrows.

 This diagrammatic representation illustrates a solution model to a given problem. Flowcharts are
used in analysing, designing, documenting or managing a process or program in various fields.

 Like other types of diagrams, they help visualize what is going on and thereby help understand a
process, and perhaps also find flaws, bottlenecks, and other less-obvious features within it.

 There are many different types of flowcharts, and each type has its own repertoire of boxes and
notational conventions.

 Common alternative names include: flowchart, process flowchart, functional flowchart, process
map, process chart, functional process chart, business process model, process model, process flow
diagram, work flow diagram, business flow diagram.
5. Draw a flowchart to solve the problem of a non functioning light bulb(8)