Chapter 1 Introduction to Computers and C Programming

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CS 17

• Computer Logic

Chapter 1 General Problem-Solving Concepts
Sonny Huang
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Chapter 1 General Problem-Solving Concepts
Outline Problem Solving in Everyday Life Types
of problems Problem Solving with
Computers Difficulties with problem Solving
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Problem Solving in Everyday Life

• Important, and unimportant problems
• bad decision-waste resources and time
• good decision

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Six steps to assure the best decision

• Identify the problem
• Understand the problem different knowledge base
  will have different solution suggestion.
• Identify alternative ways to solve the problem
  alternative solutions must be an acceptable ones
• Select the best way to solve the problem- pros
  and cons, criteria.

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Six steps to assure the best decision

• List the instructions- number and step by step
  fall within knowledge base
• Evaluate the solution- if it correct, satisfied
  the needs if either incorrect or unsatisfactory
  then restart the process.

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Six steps to assure the best decision

• The better the decisions an employee can make,
  the more valuable that person will be at the
  company.
• What to do this evening?
• Identify the problem.
• -gt How do the individuals wish to spend the
  evening.
• Understand the problem.-different knowledge base
  will have different solution suggestion.
• -gt Select the ones that everyone involved would
  know how to do.

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Six steps to assure the best decision

• Identify alternative ways to solve the problem
  alternative solutions must be an acceptable ones.
• -gt Watch TV, play games, go to movies, play
  miniature golf, go to amusement park, go to
  friends party.
• The list is complete only when you can not think
  of any more alternatives.
• Select the best way to solve the problem- pros
  and cons, criteria.
• -gt a. Weed out alternatives that are not
  acceptable such cost too much, no interest
• -gt b. Specify the pros and cons of each
  remaining alternatives.
• -gt c. Weight the pros and cons to make the final
  decision.

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Six steps to assure the best decision

• List the instructions- number and step by step
  fall within knowledge base.
• -gt Prepare a list of steps(instructions) that
  will result in a fun evening.
• Evaluate the solution- if it correct, satisfied
  the needs if either incorrect or unsatisfactory
  then restart the process.
• -gt Are we having fun yet?

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Types of Problems

• Algorithmic problems
• Problems which can be solved with a series of
  action. Such as balancing a check book.
• Heuristic problems
• Problems solutions require reasoning built on
  knowledge and experience, and a process of trial
  and error. Solutions can not be reached through
  a direct set of steps. Such as buying a stock.

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Conclusions of Types of Problems

• The problem solver can use the six steps for
  both types of problems.
• In the evaluation of solution, the correctness
  and appropriateness of heuristic solution are far
  less certain.
• Heuristic problems need to follow the 6 steps
  more than once to get the best solution.
• The heuristic solution may not be correct and
  satisfactory at another time.
• Most problems require a combination of the two
  kinds of solutions.

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Problem Solving with Computers

• Solution means the instructions listed during
  step 5 of problem solving the instructions that
  must be followed to produce the best results.
• Results means the outcome or the
  computer-assisted answer.
• Program means the set of instructions that make
  up the solution after they have been coded into a
  particular computer language.

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Problem Solving with Computers

• Computers deal with algorithmic solutions, which
  are often difficult or very time-consuming for
  human.
• - complicated calculus problem.
• - alphabetizing 10,000 names.
• Human are better at developing heuristic
  solutions.
• - judge things.
• - thoughts.

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Problem Solving with Computers

• Computers using artificial intelligence try to
  solve heuristic problem.
• Any problems solving by computer need to be
  transformed into an algorithm format for computer
  to perform.

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Difficulties with problem Solving

• People have many problems with problem solving.
• - not been taught how to
• - afraid to make decision
• - complete one or more of the problem solving
  steps inadequately.
• not define the problem correctly.
• not generate sufficient list of alternatives.
• eliminate good alternatives.
• list the pros and cons too hastily.
• not use a logical sequence steps in their
  solutions.
• focus on detail before a the frame work for the
  solution in place.
• incorrectly or haphazardly evaluate the solution.

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Difficulties with problem Solving

• Problem-solving process is not easy. It takes
  practice and time to perfect, but in the long run
  the process proves to be of great benefit.
• Difficulties of using a computer to solve a
  problem
• writing the computer instructions, which is a
  computer language that a computer can understand.
• The computer can only do what you instructed.
  The solution steps, which you provide to the
  computer, need to be stated and in proper order.

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Problem 5 a Solution

• 1 1. Stand up
• 2 13. Repeat 4 times
• 13. Repeat 3 times 3 take step
• 4 Turn
• 3 2. Sit down
• 4 15. Stop

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Problem 5 b Solution

• 1 1. Stand up
• 2 13. Repeat 4 times
• 13. Repeat 3 times 3 take step
• 13 Repeat 3 times4. Turn
• 3 2. Sit down
• 4 15. Stop

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Problem 5 c Solution

• 1 1. Stand up
• 2 5. Raise Armst
• 3 10 . Are your hands touching anything
• yes go to 10
• No go to 4
• 4 3. Take a Step
• 5 10 . Are your hands touching anything
• yes go to 6
• No go to 4

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Problem 5 c Solution

• 6 13 . Repeat 2 times4. Turns
• 7 3. Take a Step
• 8 10. Are your hands touching anything
• yes go to 9
• No go to 7
• 9 13 . Repeat 2 times4. Turns
• 10 6 . Lower Arms

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Problem 5 c Solution

• 11 2 . Sit down
• 12 15. Stop