Algorithms

The Babylonian Algorithm

1. Explain the rationale for the Babylonian algorithm.

2. Using the Babylonian algorithm and a calculator or spreadsheet, approximate the square root of a positive real number.

Algorithms

1. Define the following terms:
   • algorithm
   • stopping criterion

2. Explain what \(\gets\) means.

Program Flowcharts

1. Follow the steps in a flowchart by-hand to step through a given algorithm.

2. Identify the main stages that the flowchart for any algorithm will have.

3. Recognize and use the appropriate shapes in a flowchart to identify steps in a given stage.

Pseudocode

1. Define pseudocode.

2. Compare and contrast pseudocode with computer code.

3. Follow a pseudocode description of an algorithm to step through a given algorithm.

The Bisection Method

1. Explain the rationale for the bisection method.

2. Using the bisection method and a calculator or spreadsheet, approximate a root of a given function in a given interval.