Framing the Problem

The first step to a solution is creating a common understanding of the problem. We introduce a model to describe a problem in terms of its inputs, computation, and outputs.

Summary

In this lesson, you'll learn:

• How we can describe a problem by its inputs, required computation, and outputs.

• That knowing the inputs and expected outputs to a problem is essential to solving it with the help of a computer.

• How breaking down a large and complex problem into smaller ones is an essential problem-solving strategy

The LiFi project presents a complex problem to solve, perhaps even too complex. A necessary first step toward a solution is to analyze the problem and possibly break it down into smaller chunks.

A large and complex problem is often too much for us to handle.

Breaking down a complex problem into smaller problems is a viable strategy.

We can sometimes break down smaller problems into even smaller problems.

• Divide and Conquer

• Distribution and Parallelization

• Dynamic Programming

• Greedy Strategies

• Recursion

• Brute Force

• Randomization

• Heuristics and Approximation

Deepen your understanding

Watch the lecture recording on problem-solving to deepen your understanding.