c programming

1. Core Problem-Solving Strategies
Logic, Algorithms & Flowcharts

2. What is Problem Solving?
• Problem solving is the process of identifying a problem, creating a plan, and implementing a solution.
• In programming, it involves:
• • Understanding the problem
• • Designing an algorithm
• • Writing code
• • Testing and refining

3. Understanding the Problem
• Clearly define inputs, outputs, and constraints before solving.
• Example: Given three numbers, find their average.

4. Decomposition
• Break a big problem into smaller sub-problems.
• Example: Sort student marks → input, compare, swap, output.

5. Pattern Recognition
• Identify similarities to problems solved before.
• Example: Fibonacci series → n = n-1 + n-2.

6. Working Backwards
• Start from the goal and trace steps to the start.
• Example: Find initial money if ending amount is ₹200 after doubling 3 times.

7. Trial and Error
• Test multiple approaches until one works.
• Example: Guessing a password.

8. Algorithmic Thinking
• Write step-by-step logical instructions.
• Example: Check if a number is prime.

9. Use of Models/Flowcharts
• Represent the process visually.
• Example: Cinema ticket booking steps.

10. Abstraction
• Ignore irrelevant details, focus on essentials.
• Example: ATM withdrawal focuses on amount & PIN, not machine internals.

11. Divide and Conquer
• Split into parts, solve each, then combine.
• Example: Binary search in a dictionary.

12. Optimization
• Improve an existing solution for efficiency.
• Example: Find largest number with fewer comparisons.

13. Example Problem
• Check if a number is Even or Odd.
• Inputs: Number n
• Outputs: 'Even' or 'Odd'

14. Algorithm for Even/Odd Check
• 1. Start
• 2. Read n
• 3. If n % 2 == 0, print 'Even'
• 4. Else, print 'Odd'
• 5. Stop

15. Flowchart Description
• Start → Input n → Decision: n % 2 == 0?
• Yes → Output 'Even' → Stop
• No → Output 'Odd' → Stop

16. Summary & Key Takeaways
• • Problem solving needs clear understanding & planning
• • Use strategies like decomposition, pattern recognition, and optimization
• • Always test and refine your solutions
• • Flowcharts and algorithms make solutions clear and structured