Identification of Computational Problems

Identification of Computational Problems

There are two types of problems -

i) Problems based on algorithmic solutions

ii) Problems based on heuristic solutions

1) Problems based on algorithmic solutions :

• Algorithm is nothing but sequence of instructions carried out to solve some problem.

• For solving some problem, series of actions are taken to reach to the solution. o

• For example - Problem of 'Making a cup tea' can be solved by following the procedure sequence of actions).

2) Problems based on heuristic solutions :

• There are some problems that can not be solved by just following certain actions.

• In solving such problems, critical decisions has to be made. Sometimes we need to follow the process of trial and error.

• The solutions that can not be reached through direct set of steps are called heuristic solutions.

• For example – the problem of ‘Which stock should I buy' is based on heuristic solution as it requires, knowledge, experience of trials and error, skills, careful analysis of market and so on.

• With heuristic solution problem solver has to follow six steps of problem solving for more than once.

Review Question

1. Write and explain different types of problems.