Flowchart Symbols and Logic

1. What is a flowchart?

The flowchart is a means of visually presenting the flow of data through an information processing systems, the operations performed within the system and the sequence in which they are performed.

1. Describe the basic flowchart symbols for;

· Start or end of the program- The symbols for the beginging and the end of a flow chart are a circular square.

· Computational steps or processing function of a program- A solid rectangle.

· Input or output operation- A rhombus

· Decision making and branching- a kite.

· Flow line-

are arrows pointing in the intended direction.

3. With the decision making symbol (diamond) and the process symbol (rectangle), what are the rules for how many lines may enter and leave the symbol.

Only one flow line should come out from a process symbol.Only one flow line should enter a decision symbol, but two or three flow lines, one for each possible answer, should leave the decision symbol.

Selection and repition

Describe in plain english the algorithm for:



1. Moving through a set of traffic lights



a) Approach the set of lights.

b) If red then come to a hault, If green proceed with caution.



2. Deciding to take an umbrella to school



a) have a look outside on how the weather is looking.

b) Have a look at the forecast.

c)If raining or forecast to rain then back umbrella, if not then dont put it in.



3. Giving a student an A,B, or C on a test



a) look at the students progress throughout the whole course.

b) have a look at the way in which they performed in the exam/ quiz

c) award the mark.



Using repetition describe an algorithm for the following;



1. Adding the correct amount of cordial to water to make a drink.



a) get a glass, the cordial and some water.

b) open the cordial and pour some in.

c)add water

d) taste it and decide whether or not to add more cordial.

e) if you want it to be stronger then go onto the repeat step b&c

2. Filling a bucket of water

a) get the bucket
b) turn on the tap
c) fill the bucket to the amount needed
d) if needed repeat steps b&c

3. Blowing up a balloon

a) stretch the mouth piece of the balloon
b) blow the balloon to deired amount
c) if needed repeat step b

What is an Algorithm

1. Examine the algorithm above, what properties of it enable it to correctly describe the solution to making a cup of coffee?
*hot water and coffee
2. Define the algorithm for the following process:

Posting a letter;
a) write the letter.
b) get an envelope and write the address and the persons/ companys name on it.
c) put a stamp on it.
d) put it in the big red post box to be delivered to the person.

Making toast;
a) choose the type of bread you want to use.
b) put your bread into the slots in the toaster.
c) push down the plunger.
d) when the toast pops up remove it from the toaster.

Calling a friend on the phone;
a) get the phone that you are going to call the person off.
b) dial the number.
c) press the green button to initate the call.
d) press the red button to hang up.


:)