Problems regarding problem-solving; computation as data flow; the idea of an algorithmic machine; hardware versus software; parts of a computer; algorithms


a) Give one example of a kind of "primary storage" (main memory).

b) Give one example of a kind of "secondary storage".

[solutions]


Suppose that you are writing a procedure to tell someone how to go to the CDF computer labs. The procedure says that they can go to either BA 2220 or BA 3175.

a) What about that instruction disqualifies this procedure from being called an "algorithm"? Why?

b) Why is this defect in the procedure harmful if we were trying to build a robot or other computational device to follow this procedure?

c) How could we modify the procedure so as to be a valid algorithm?

[solution]


Consider the algorithm "walk down the street until you see a white building on the left".

(a) In Computer Science we generally require algorithms to "terminate when followed". Under what circumstances would the above algorithm not terminate when followed?

(b) How could you change the statement of the algorithm so that it meets this requirement?

[solution]


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