what is a algorithm? Its properties and give examples.

 

• An algorithm is a step by step process to solve a problem using a finite number of steps. Algorithms are used in mathematical computing etc to carry out calculations or data processing.

• The algorithm is developed using pseudocode.

• Pseudocode: It is an artificial and informal language that helps programmers to develop algorithms.  

• Pseudocode programs are not executed on computers but they are used in developing algorithms. 

The algorithms must satisfy the following properties

Properties of Algorithms

• Input – the algorithm must accept zero or more inputs.

• Output - must produce at least one output.

• Definiteness -Each instruction is clear.

• Finiteness -An algorithm should terminate after a finite number of steps. It should not enter into an infinite loop.

• Effectiveness – Each operation must be simple and should complete in a finite time algorithm: examples of algorithms:

1.Addition of two numbers

Step 1: Start

Step 2: Declare variables num1, num2, and sum.

Step 3: Read values into num1 and num2.

Step 4: sum = num1+num2

Step 5: print sum

Step 6: Stop

2.Algorithm: Area of a circle

Step 1: Start

Step 2: Declare variables radius and Area

Step 3: Read value into the radius

Step 4: Area = 3.14*radius*radius

Step 5: print Area

Step 6: Stop

3.Algorithm: Largest among 3 numbers

Step 1: Start

Step 2: Declare variables a,b and c.

Step 3: Read variables a,b and c.

Step 4: If a > b

If a > c

Display a is the largest number.

Else

Display c is the largest number.

Else

If b > c

Display b is the largest number.

Else

Display c is the greatest number.

Step 5: Stop

4.Algorithm to print "n" natural numbers

Step 1: Start

Step 2: Declare n, i

Step 3: Assign i=1

Step 4: Read value into n

Step 5: Repeat step 5.1 and 5.2 until i<=n

5.1 Print i

5.2 Compute i=i+1

Step 7: Stop

5.Algorithm to sum "n" natural numbers

Step 1: Start

Step 2: Declare variables n, sum and i.

Step 3: Initialize variables or Assign

sum = 0

i = 1

Step 4: Read value into n

Step 5: Repeat 5.1 and 5.2 until i <= n

5.1 : sum = sum+i

5.2 : i = i+1

Step 6: Display sum

Step 7: Stop