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Chapter 3 — Chapter 3 — Algorithms and Problem Solving
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📘Easy summary
To solve a problem computationally we identify its inputs, desired outputs and the process that transforms inputs into outputs. Classifications: decision problems (output yes/no), search problems (find an item meeting criteria), optimization problems (find the best solution) and counting problems (count the ways a condition is met). Well-defined problems have clear goals, inputs, processes and outputs (is a number even?). Ill-defined problems lack clear definitions or have ambiguous goals and requirements ('How to reduce poverty in Pakistan').
⭐Key points
- Decision, search, optimization, counting.
- Well-defined: clear goals, inputs, process, output.
- Ill-defined: vague goals.
🔬Diagram
🌿Real-life example
'Is 7 even?' is a well-defined decision problem.
💡Exam tip
- Well-defined = clear goals, inputs, processes, outputs.
✅Quick check
1. A well-defined problem has:
2. Output yes/no:
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