WOODRIDGE HIGH SCHOOL
HANDOUT (2025-26)
Name : ____________________________________________ Class : VI ______ Subject : IT Date : __________________
ALGORITHMS and FLOWCHARTS
Computer Languages are used for making programs for the computer to solve user problems. To make
these programs, we use statements arranged in a specific order. These statements are executed in their
order of appearances in the program to do the desired job. But, if these statements are not arranged
correctly they can never produce the desired results.
So, before designing a program, it is very important to decide the sequence of steps for solving a particular
problem.
Algorithms and Flowcharts are two problems solving techniques that help us in deciding the sequence of
steps in a program .
ALGORITHM
Algorithm is the step by step instructions written in simple language to perform a particular task. This set
of instructions, when written in any programming language, become a computer program.
Rules for writing Algorithms
Number the statements such as Step 1, Step 2, etc.
Write each statement clearly in a separate line.
Always begin with START and finish with STOP.
EXAMPLE : Algorithm to find the sum of three numbers.
STEP 1 : START
STEP 2 : Read N1, N2, N3
STEP 3 : Sum=N1+N2+N3
STEP 4 : Print SUM
STEP 5 : STOP
EXAMPLE : Algorithm to find the square of a number.
STEP 1 : START
STEP 2 : Read N1
STEP 3 : Square=N1 X N1
STEP 4 : Print Square
STEP 5 : STOP
FLOWCHART
Flowchart is a step by step process of representing the solution of a particular problem in a graphical or
pictorial form. It is very easy to draw and understand.
Rules for Drawing Flowcharts
The direction of flowchart is either from top to bottom or from left to right.
Flow Lines are used to indicate the direction of the flow of steps.
It should have only one Start box and one Stop box.
Symbols of Flowcharts
Symbols Name Description
Start / Stop box An oval represents the beginning
and end of a flowchart.
Input / Output box A parallelogram represents the
instructions that take input and
give output.
Processing box A rectangle represents the
processing of instructions
Decision box A diamond symbol is used to
choose between the two option-
yes or no.
Flow Lines A line with arrowhead indicates
the direction of the flow of data
and instructions.
Connectors A circle is used to connect
different parts of flowcharts
together on the same page or on
different pages
It is always used in a pair while
designing the flowchart.
Example1. A flowchart to add three Example 2. Algorithm and flowchart to input radius of a
numbers circle and print its area.
STEP 1 : START
STEP 2 : Read R
STEP 3 : Area=3.14 X R
XR
STEP 4 : Print Area
STEP 5 : STOP
CONDITIONAL PROBLEM SOLVING
Conditional formatting in algorithms and flowcharts means using conditions or decisions to control the
flow of execution in a program or process. It allows the computer to choose between two or more
actions depending on whether a condition is true or false. In an algorithm, this is done using statements
such as IF–THEN–ELSE, WHILE, or REPEAT–UNTIL. These statements help the algorithm make logical
decisions and perform different actions for different situations.
In a flowchart, conditional formatting is represented by a diamond-shaped symbol called a decision
box. The condition is written inside the diamond, and it has two branches — one for YES (True) and
another for NO (False). Depending on the outcome of the condition, the flow moves along the correct path
to the next step. This makes the flowchart dynamic and helps visualize how decisions affect the process.
EXAMPLE : To read marks and print ‘Pass’ if
marks >50, otherwise ‘Fail’
Step 1: Start
Step 2:Read Marks
Step 3: If Marks > 50 then
Print “PASS”
Else
Print “FAIL”
Step 4: Stop
Q1. Fill in the blanks
1. Decision box is used to represent the conditional operations for checking or applying any condition.
2. Process in a flowchart is represented by a rectangular shaped box.
3. Flowchart is the pictorial (or graphical) representation of problem logic.
4. Connector (or Start and Stop symbols) is always used in a pair while designing the flowchart
Q2. Multiple Choice Questions.
1. ____________________ is the step – by – step instructions written in simple language to perform a
particular task.
(a) Flowchart (b) Algorithm (c) Graph
2. A ______________ symbol is used to choose between the two option – yes or no.
(a) rectangle (b) diamond (c) oval
3. ________________ is the general direction of flow in any flowchart.
(a) Left to Right (b) Top to bottom (c) Both of these
4. Rectangle box is known as _________________
(a) Process box (b) Decision box (c) Input / Output box
Q3. State whether True of False.
1. An algorithm always has a fixed number of steps and cannot have any conditions or [Link]
2. An algorithm can only be written in a programming language. False
3. Flowcharts can help people understand complex algorithms more easily. True
4. In a flowchart, the oval shape is used to represent the start or end of the process. True
5. Algorithms can only be used in computer programming, and not in everyday life. False
Q4. Name these symbols
1. 2.
Processing box Decision Box
4.
3. Start/ Stop
Input / Output box
Q5. Answer the following questions.
1. What do you understand by an algorithm?
An algorithm is a set of step-by-step instructions written in simple language to solve a specific problem or
perform a task.
2. What is a flowchart?
A flowchart is a pictorial or graphical representation of an algorithm that uses different symbols to show the flow
of steps and decisions in a process.
3. What are the rules for writing an algorithm?
The steps should be clear and precise.
Steps should be written in logical order.
Each step should perform one specific task.
It should have a start and end.
It should be simple and easy to understand.
4. What is conditional problem solving?
Conditional problem solving involves making decisions based on certain conditions.
For example: If a number is greater than 10, print “Big”; otherwise, print “Small”.
5. What is the use of Decision box?
A Decision box (diamond shape) is used to represent a condition or decision point in a flowchart where the
answer can be Yes/No or True/False.
Q6. Draw flowcharts for the following.
To display your Age To calculated average of 3 To find the larger number between
numbers. two numbers.
Q7. Write algorithm for the following problems:
To read name and phone number To read marks and print grade ‘A’ To find the area of a square.
and print both. if marks >80, otherwise ‘B’
Step 1: Start Step 1: Start Step 1: Start
Step 2: Read Name Step 2:Read Marks Step 2: Read side (S)
Step 3: Read Phone Number Step 3: If Marks > 80 then Step 3: Area = S × S
Step 4: Print Name and Phone Print “Grade A” Step 4: Print Area
Number Else Step 5: Stop
Step 5: Stop Print “Grade B”
Step 4: Stop