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Introduction to Algorithmic Thinking
Course: Analytical Methods for Business (BNAD 277)
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Students shared 69 documents in this course
University: University of Arizona
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Lesson 6 – Introduction to Algorithmic Thinking
By Dr. Wayne Brown
Outline
What is an algorithm?
What is algorithmic thinking?
How are algorithms communicated?
Why are algorithms important?
What are the important properties of algorithms?
An example – how to create an algorithm
What is an algorithm?
An algorithm is a precise, step-by-step set of instructions for solving a task. An algorithm
does not solve a task; it gives you a series of steps that, if executed correctly, will result in
a solution to a task. You use algorithms every day but you often do not explicitly think
about the individual steps of the algorithm. For example, starting your car, putting on
your clothes, logging into your computer, or following a recipe for cooking a food dish,
are all accomplished using an algorithm, a step-by-step series of actions.
For an algorithm to be valid, each step (or instruction) must be:
unambiguous – the instruction can only be interpreted in one unique way
executable – the person or device executing the instruction must know how to
accomplish the instruction without any extra information.
ordered – the steps of an algorithm must be ordered in a proper sequence to
correctly accomplish the task.
An example algorithm is shown in the seven steps below. This algorithm explains how to
make "frozen lemon ice-box pie," (which is this author's favorite dessert).
Step 1: Pour 1 can of chilled pet milk into a mixing bowl.
Step 2: Beat the pet milk until peaks form.
Step 3: "Fold in" 1 cup of sugar and 1/2 cup of lemon juice.
Step 4: If you want a more lemony taste, add 1 tsp of grated lemon peal.
Step 5: Spread a graham cracker crust on the bottom of a 13" by 9" pan.
Step 6: Pour the pet milk mix into the pan.
Step 7: Place in freezer until frozen.
Before leaving this example, ask yourself if the steps to this algorithm meet the criteria
listed above. That is, is each step unambiguous, executable, and in the correct order?
This reading explains the concept of algorithms, some important properties of algorithms,
and how algorithms are created, executed, and validated.
What is Algorithmic Thinking?
Algorithmic thinking is the ability to understand, execute, evaluate, and create
algorithms. Let's discuss each of these ideas separately.
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