Algorithms and Flowcharts

1. What is an algorithm? Write any three characteristics of an algorithm.

The step-by-step procedure to solve any logical and mathematical problem is called an
Algorithm. Three characteristics of an algorithm are:

1. Input — An algorithm accepts an input.

2. Generality — An algorithm works in a set of inputs.
3. Definiteness — Each instruction should be written in a simple and precise manner so
that everyone can understand it.

2. What is Flowchart?
A flowchart is a diagrammatic representation of a problem-solving process in which steps
are laid out in logical order.

3. What are the characteristics of a good algorithm?

Following are the characteristics of a good algorithm:
a. It receives an input.
b. It works on a set of inputs.
c. The steps must be precisely defined.
d. The result of each step should depend on the results of previous steps.
e. It stops after a finite number of instructions.
f. It produces the desired output.
4. What are the advantages of Algorithm?

• It is a step-wise representation of a solution to a given problem, which makes it easy to

understand.
• An algorithm uses a definite procedure.
• It is not dependent on any programming language, so it is easy to understand for
anyone even without programming knowledge.
• Every step in an algorithm has its own logical sequence so it is easy to debug.
5. Explain the different symbols used in a flowchart.
Following are the different symbols used in a flowchart:
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 a. Oval (Start/Stop box): Used to indicate the start and end of the program.
b. Rectangle (Process box): Indicates processes or actions.
c. Parallelogram (Input/Output box): Indicates input and output of a program.
d. Diamond (Decision box): Used in situation which demands one to choose either ‘Yes’
or ‘No’.
e. Arrow line (Flow lines): Shows the flow of logic in a flowchart.

6. What are the two types of connectors in a flowchart? Explain their uses.
Following are the two types of connectors in a flowchart:
a. Off-page connectors: Used for joining the parts of a flowchart that occupies more
than one page.
b. On-page connectors: To join the parts of a flowchart contained within one page.
7. What are the rules for flowcharting?
Following are the rules for flowcharting:
a. A flowchart should have only one Start and one Stop symbol.
b. The general direction of flow in a flowchart is from top to bottom or from left to right.
c. Arrowheads are used to indicate the flow of information or sequence of steps.
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 d. The arrow lines should not cross each other.
e. Off-page and on-page connectors should be used when joining parts of a flowchart
spanning multiple pages/same page.

8. What are the advantages of Flowchart?

 Flowchart is an excellent way of communicating the logic of a program.

• Easy and efficient to analyze problem using flowchart.
• During program development cycle, the flowchart plays the role of a blueprint, which
makes program development process easier.
• After successful development of a program, it needs continuous timely maintenance
during the course of its operation. The flowchart makes program or system
maintenance easier.
• It is easy to convert the flowchart into any programming language code

9. What are the Disadvantage of flowchart?

 The flowchart can be complex when the logic of a program is quite complicated.
 Drawing flowchart is a time-consuming task.
 It is just a visualization of a program, it cannot function like an actual program

Write the Algorithm to solve the following problems:

Question 1
To polish your shoes.
Algorithm
Step 1: Start
Step 2: Open the shoe polish
Step 3: Put shoe polish on brush
Step 4: Polish one shoe
Step 5: Put shoe polish on brush
Step 6: Polish the other shoe
Step 7: Close the shoe polish
Step 8: Stop

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Question 2
To go for a class picnic
Step 1: Start
Step 2: Decide the picnic venue, date and time
Step 3: Decide the picnic activities
Step 4: Hire a vehicle to reach to the venue and comeback
Step 5: Goto to the picnic venue on the decided date
Step 6: Do the activities planned for the picnic
Step 7: Come back to school in the hired vehicle
Step 8: Stop

Question 3
To make tea/coffee
Step 1: Start
Step 2: Boil water in a saucepan
Step 3: Add tea to boiling water
Step 4: Add sugar to boiling water
Step 5: Add milk to boiling water
Step 6: Boil this water with all the ingredients for 2 mins
Step 7: Sieve the tea in a cup
Step 8: Stop

Question 4
To celebrate New Year
Step 1: Start
Step 2: Prepare a guest list for New Year party
Step 3: Decide the venue, food menu, games and fun activities for the party
Step 4: Invite the guests for the party
Step 5: On New Year eve, get ready and enjoy the party
Step 6: Stop

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Draw the following flowcharts

Question 1
Draw a flowchart to buying stationery from the market.
Flowchart

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Question 2

Flowchart
Draw a flowchart in Microsoft Word for the steps required to play music stored in a
CD.

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Question 3
Draw a flowchart in Microsoft Word for the steps required to find the cost
of 24 pens when the cost of one pen is Rs. 12.

Flowchart

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 1. Algorithm & Flowchart to find the sum of two numbers

Algorithm
Step-1 Start
Step-2 Input first numbers say A
Step-3 Input second number say B
Step-4 SUM = A + B
Step-5 Display SUM
Step-6 Stop

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 2. Algorithm & Flowchart to find Area and
Perimeter of Square

Algorithm

Step-1 Start

Step-2 Input Side Length of Square say L

Step-3 Area = L x L

Step-4 PERIMETER = 4 x L

Step-5 Display AREA, PERIMETER

Step-6 Stop

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 3. Algorithm & Flowchart to find Area and
Perimeter of Rectangle
Algorithm

Step-1 Start

Step-2 Input Side Length & Breadth say L, B

Step-3 Area = L x B

Step-4 PERIMETER = 2 x ( L + B)

Step-5 Display AREA, PERIMETER

Step-6 Stop

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 4. Algorithm & Flowchart to find Area
and Perimeter of Circle

Algorithm

Step-1 Start

Step-2 Input Radius of Circle say R

Step-3 Area = 22.0/7.0 x R x R

Step-4 PERIMETER = 2 x 22.0/7.0 x R

Step-5 Display AREA, PERIMETER

Step-6 Stop

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5.Finding the cube of a given number.

Algorithm
Step 1: Start
Step 2: Read the number and store it in a.
Step 3: Calculate cube of number as a * a * a
Step 4: Print cube of number
Step 5: Stop
Flowchart

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 6.Algorithm & Flowchart to find Simple Interest

P : Principle Amount

N : Time in Years

R : % Annual Rate of Interest

SI : Simple Interest

Algorithm

Step-1 Start

Step-2 Input value of P, N, R

Step-3 SI = (P x N x R)/100.0

Step-4 Display SI F

Step-6 Stop

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7.
Algorithm & Flowchart to find the smallest of two numbers
Algorithm

Step-1 Start
Step-2 Input two numbers say NUM1,NUM2
Step-3 IF NUM1 < NUM2 THEN
print smallest is NUM1
ELSE
print smallest is NUM2
ENDIF
Step-4 Stop

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8.Accept the age of a person. Display the message Eligible for Role if the age
is equal to or greater than 18, otherwise display the message Not Eligible.

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