Computer Science: An Overview

Tenth Edition Activities

Chapter $5$: Algorithms

Lab $8$: Algorithm Problems

Lab Report

Name

Date $$

Section $$

Procedure

Once assigned a specific algorithmic problem from the Lab assignment $(1,2,3$ or $4),$ approach the problem as explained in the textbook $($Section $5\mathrm{.}3,$ page $182)$ with the four phases as at the top of page $183.$ For this lab, however, you are not required to write a computer program so in Phase $3$ only "formulate the algorithm" and express it in English, and don't "represent it as a program."

You are to write a report on your work that includes the items on this checklist:

$q,$ Phase $1.$ Understand the problem. Describe how you worked with the problem and examples to develop an understanding. $q,$ Phase $2.$ Get an idea of how an algorithmic procedure might solve the problem. Describe one or more general approaches to solving the problem, including how you got your foot in the door.

Phase $3.$ Formulate the algorithm. Describe your algorithm in more detail.

$q,$ Phase $4.$ Evaluate your algorithm for accuracy and for its potential as a tool for solving other problems. Describe why you think your algorithmic solution is correct and why it might be better than other ideas you had.

Lab options:

a$)$ Group project. List members of your group here. Each person should turn their own copy of the Lab report, and one person should be sure to hand in the group report. $q,$ b$)$ As a class presentation. List here the format of your presentation $($MS PowerPoint, web page, paper notes$).q,$ c$)$ As a paper version. Describe here briefly the format of your construction.