What is an Algorithm?
An algorithm is a step-by-step procedure or set of
instructions to solve a problem or perform a task.
In simple words, it’s like a recipe that tells you what to do, step
by step, until the task is complete.
Characteristics of an Algorithm
1.Finite – Must end after a limited number of steps.
2.Definite – Each step must be clear and unambiguous.
3.Input – Takes zero or more inputs.
4.Output – Produces at least one output.
5.Effective – Steps must be basic enough to be carried out.
Steps in Writing an Algorithm
1.Understand the problem
2.Decide inputs and outputs
3.Break the problem into small steps
4.Write the steps in order
5.Check correctness
Example 1: Algorithm to Add Two Numbers
Problem: Write an algorithm to add two numbers and display the
result.
Algorithm:
1.Start
2.Input two numbers A and B
3.Add A and B, store in SUM
4.Print SUM
5.End
Example 2: Algorithm to Find the Largest of Two
Numbers
Problem: Given two numbers, find which is larger.
Algorithm:
1.Start
2.Input two numbers A and B
3.If A > B, then
→ Print “A is larger”
Else
→ Print “B is larger”
4.End
Example 3: Algorithm for Factorial of a Number (n!)
Problem: Find factorial of a given number n.
Algorithm:
1.Start
2.Input number n
3.Set FACT = 1
4.Repeat steps 5 and 6 while n > 0
5.FACT = FACT × n
6.Decrease n by 1
7.Print FACT
8.End
Flowchart in Detail
A flowchart is a diagram that represents a process, system, or algorithm using symbols,
shapes, and arrows to show the flow of control or steps.
It is widely used in programming, problem-solving, business processes, and system design
because it makes ideas visual and easy to understand.
Basic Flowchart Symbols
⭕
1. Oval (Terminator) → Used for Start and End
Example: "Start", "End"
2. Rectangle (Process) → Shows a process or action step
Example: ▭ "Calculate total", "Read input"
3. Diamond (Decision) → Used for yes/no or true/false decisions
Example: ◇ "Is X > Y?"
4. Parallelogram (Input/Output) → Represents input (from user) or output (display
result)
Example: ⧍ "Enter number", "Print result"
5. Arrow → Shows the flow of control (which step comes next)
Steps in Creating a Flowchart
1. Define the problem (What process are you representing?)
2. Identify the steps (What actions/decisions happen?)
3. Arrange them in sequence
4. Use symbols (start, process, decision, input/output)
5. Connect with arrows
6. Check logic flow (Does it cover all cases?)
Example 1: Flowchart for Finding the Largest of Two
Numbers
Problem: Compare two numbers and print which is larger.
Steps:
1. Start
2. Input number A and B
3. Check: Is A > B?
○ If YES → Print "A is larger"
○ If NO → Print "B is larger"
4. End
Flowchart (Text version):
[Start]
|
v
[Input A,B]
|
v
[Is A > B?]---Yes---> [Print "A is larger"]
|
No
v
[Print "B is larger"]
|
v
[End]
Example 2: Flowchart for Simple Calculator (Add Two
Numbers)
Steps:
1. Start
2. Input two numbers
3. Add them
4. Display result
5. End
Flowchart (Text version):
[Start]
|
v
[Input A, B]
|
v
[Sum = A + B]
|
v
[Print Sum]
|
v
[End]
