Ans. Computational Thinking (CT) is a problem-solving process that involves a set of skills and techniques to solve complex problems in a way that can be executed by a computer. This approach can be used in various fields beyond computer science, such as biology, mathematics, and daily life.
Ans. Computational Thinking provides a structured approach to problem-solving by breaking down complex problems into manageable parts, recognizing patterns, creating algorithms, and abstracting unnecessary details. This methodical approach can be applied to various fields beyond computer science.
Ans. Yes, Computational Thinking is not limited to computer science. It can be used in everyday problem-solving, such as planning a trip or organizing tasks by breaking down the process into manageable steps and creating a systematic plan.
Ans. A flowchart is a diagrammatic representation of an algorithm. It describes what operations are required to solve a given problem and illustrates the sequence of operations to be performed in the form of a diagram.
Ans. The flowchart developer must determine the following requirements: Start of the flowchart, Input to the flowchart, Type of processing required, Decisions to be taken, Output of the operation, and End of the flowchart.
Ans. Different software tools are available for designing flowcharts, including Microsoft Visio and LARP (Logics of Algorithms and Resolution of Problems) software.
Ans. To create a flowchart in Microsoft Visio: Start Microsoft Visio, Click on the Flowchart category, Double-click the Basic Flowchart, Drag relevant flowchart symbols for each step, Connect the flowchart shapes by holding the mouse pointer over the first symbol and releasing it on the other symbol, and Type text into shapes by selecting them and typing.
Ans. The basic properties of Computational Thinking are: Decomposition, Abstraction, Pattern Recognition, and Algorithm Design.
Ans. Pattern recognition involves looking for similarities or patterns among and within problems. For instance, if you notice that you always forget your homework on Mondays, you might recognize a pattern and set a reminder specifically for Sundays. Pattern recognition is an essential aspect of computational thinking.
Ans. Making a Cup of Tea using high-level steps: 1. Boil water, 2. Add tea leaves or a tea bag, 3. Steep for a few minutes, 4. Pour into a cup and add milk/sugar if desired. This abstracts away the detailed steps like how to operate the stove or exact temperature measurements.
Ans. Algorithm to find the sum, product and average of five given numbers: Step 1: Start, Step 2: Input numbers a,b,c,d,e, Step 3: Set sum to a+b+c+d+e, Step 4: Set product to a×b×c×d×e, Step 5: Set average to (a+b+c+d+e)/5, Step 6: Output sum, product, average, Step 7: End.
Ans. Computational thinking involves several key principles that guide the process of problem-solving: Problem Understanding, Problem Simplification, and Solution Selection and Design.
Ans. Flowcharts are excellent tools for communicating complex processes to a wide audience, ensuring everyone has a common understanding of the process or algorithm being described.
Ans. Flowchart for leap year check: Start → Input Year → If (year mod 4 = 0) then Print 'leap year' else Print 'not a leap year' → Stop
Ans. Pseudocode is a method of representing an algorithm using simple and informal language that is easy to understand. It combines the structure of programming with the readability of plain English, making it a useful tool for planning and explaining algorithms.
Ans. Pseudocode for determining if a number is even or odd: 1. Procedure CheckEvenOdd(number), 2. Input: number (The number to be checked), 3. Output: 'Even' if number is even, 'Odd' if number is odd, 4. Begin, 5. if (number % 2 = 0) then, 6. print 'Even', 7. else, 8. print 'Odd', 9. End if, 10. End
Ans. Pseudocode is used because it combines the structure of programming with the readability of plain English, making it a useful tool for planning and explaining algorithms without getting bogged down in specific programming language syntax.
Ans. A dry run involves manually stepping through an algorithm with sample data to identify any errors, verify the logic, and ensure the algorithm works as expected before actual implementation.
Ans. Decomposition is an important step in computational thinking that involves dividing a complex problem into smaller, manageable tasks. For example, building a birdhouse can be broken down into designing, gathering materials, cutting wood, assembling, and painting.
Ans. Abstraction is a fundamental concept in problem-solving that involves simplifying complex problems by breaking them down into smaller, more manageable parts, and focusing only on the essential details while ignoring unnecessary ones. This helps in managing complexity and developing general solutions.
Ans. An algorithm is a step-by-step collection of instructions to solve a problem or complete a task, similar to following a recipe to bake a cake.
Ans. Understanding a problem involves identifying the core issue, defining the requirements, and setting the objectives. This is the first and most important step in problem-solving, especially in computational thinking, as it ensures you're solving the right problem and establishes clear goals.
