Problem-Solving
Concepts
Teacher: Miss Simpson
Specific Objectives
BY THE END OF THE LESSON, 1. DEFINE KEY TERMS: 2. EXPLAIN THE ROLE AND 3. DISTINGUISH BETWEEN
STUDENTS SHOULD BE ABLE PROBLEM, SOLUTION, IMPORTANCE OF FUNCTIONAL AND
TO: ALGORITHM, PROGRAM. ALGORITHMS IN NON-FUNCTIONAL
PROBLEM-SOLVING. REQUIREMENTS.
4. DESCRIBE AND APPLY THE 5. OUTLINE AND DISCUSS 6. INTERPRET HIERARCHY 7. APPLY THE
TOP-DOWN, BOTTOM-UP, EACH STAGE OF THE CHARTS AND EXPLAIN THEIR PROBLEM-SOLVING
AND STEPWISE REFINEMENT PROBLEM-SOLVING PURPOSE. PROCESS TO REAL-LIFE
APPROACHES. PROCESS. SCENARIOS.
What is Problem-Solving?
• A SYSTEMATIC PROCESS OF • INVOLVES LOGICAL • GOAL: MOVE FROM
IDENTIFYING CHALLENGES THINKING, CREATIVITY, AND CURRENT STATE TO DESIRED
AND CREATING SOLUTIONS. DECISION-MAKING. STATE.
A situation requiring a solution.
Includes:
Definition
- Starting point
of a
Problem - Desired outcome
- Constraints
• Can be simple or complex.
• Resolves the problem and meets
requirements.
Good solutions are:
Definition - Efficient
of a - Accurate
Solution
- Cost-effective
- Reliable
• Step-by-step process for solving a
problem.
Characteristics:
- Clear and unambiguous
What is an
Algorithm? - Finite steps
- Produces correct output
Used daily (recipes, instructions).
Importance of
Algorithms
• Provides structure.
• Improves accuracy.
• Allows complex problems to be
broken into steps.
• Forms the basis for
programming.
What is a Program?
• Algorithm written in a
programming language.
• Executed by a computer.
• Examples: Python scripts, mobile
apps, websites.
• Top-Down: Start
broad → break into
smaller parts.
Approaches
to • Bottom-Up: Build
small units →
Problem-Sol combine.
ving
• Stepwise
Refinement: Add
detail gradually.
• Focus on entire system
Top-Down
Approach
first.
• Break major modules.
• Advantages:
- Clear structure
- Easy planning.
Bottom-Up
Approach
Begin with small components.
Combine to form full system.
Advantages:
- Encourages component reuse
- Efficient for modular systems.
• Break tasks into
smaller detailed
steps.
Stepwise • Used in algorithm
writing and program
Refinement design.
• Ensures clarity
and completeness.
Hierarchy Charts
• Shows system structure visually.
• Represents modules and
sub-tasks.
Example:
Main Program
── Input Module
── Processing Module
── Output Module
Problem:
Create a program that calculates a student’s average mark from five subjects and
displays whether the student has passed or failed.
Main Program
INPUT DATA PROCESS AVERAGE DISPLAY RESULTS
CALCULATE AVERAGE
GET 5 SUBJECT SHOW AVERAGE &
GRADES PASS/FAIL MESSAGE
Stages of
Problem-Solving
Process
1. Problem Definition
2. Analysis
3. Identifying Solutions
4. Evaluating Solutions
5. Selecting Best Solution
6. Implementation
7. Review and Testing
• Identify issue
clearly.
Stage 1:
• Determine
Problem objectives.
Definition
• Identify
constraints and
scope.
• Examine requirements.
Stage 2:
• Functional: What
Problem system must DO.
Analysis
• Non-Functional: Speed,
accuracy, usability.
Stage 3:
Identifying
Solutions
• Brainstorm options.
• Consider feasibility, cost, tools.
• Compare techniques and
methods.
Stage 4: Evaluating Solutions
• Compare • Analyze
strengths and efficiency and
weaknesses. practicality.
• Ensure
requirements
are met.
• Choose most
effective option.
Stage 5:
Selecting • Justify reasons for
Best selection.
Solution
• Align with user
needs.
• Develop solution.
Stage 6: • Write algorithms
Implementation and programs.
• Test components.
Stage 7: Review and Testing
• Verify
• Fix errors.
correctness.
• Evaluate
improvements.
Real-Life Example
Scenario: • Define problem: • Analyze: Accept
Automated grade Need accurate scores, compute
calculation. averages. average.
• Develop solution:
• Review with
Algorithm or • Implement.
actual data.
program.
YouTube Video Resource
Recommended: [Link]
NTsJKw
• Explains
algorithms and
problem-solving.