AP CSP Unit 10 Vocab- Algorithms

What is an algorithm?

• A random set of instructions

• A finite set of instructions that accomplish a task

• An infinite loop of commands

• A single step process

Which term describes a repetitive portion of an algorithm?

• Sequencing

• Selection

• Decision

• Iteration

What is the main goal of a binary search?

• To remove half of the data each step

• To check each element one by one

• To start at the beginning of a list

• To search through unsorted data

Which of the following describes a problem with a yes/no answer?

• Decision Problem

• Optimization Problem

• Heuristic

• Undecidable Problem

What is a heuristic?

• A 'good enough' solution when an actual solution is impractical

• A method to find the shortest path

• A perfect solution to a problem

• A problem with no solution

What is the definition of efficiency in algorithms?

• The amount of memory used

• The complexity of the code

• The number of steps needed to complete an algorithm

• The speed of the computer

Which of the following is an example of an algorithm that runs in unreasonable time?

• Polynomial Efficiency

• Binary Search

• Linear Search

• Exponential Efficiency

What is the purpose of sequencing in algorithms?

• To put steps in an order

• To solve problems with a yes/no answer

• To repeat steps until a condition is met

• To decide which steps to do next

What is the main characteristic of parallel computing?

• Programs are run by multiple devices

• Programs run in order, one command at a time

• Programs are broken into small pieces, some of which are run simultaneously

• Programs are executed without any order

What does speedup refer to in parallel computing?

• The time used to complete a task in parallel divided by the time to complete it sequentially

• The decrease in the number of steps in an algorithm

• The increase in the number of processors

• The time used to complete a task sequentially divided by the time to complete it in parallel