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A) Define The Following - Terms - (4 Marks) ...

The document covers fundamental concepts in data structures and algorithms, including definitions of data structures, encapsulation, queues, and abstract data types. It discusses properties of algorithms, the importance of algorithm analysis, and differences between recursion and iteration, providing examples in Python. Additionally, it outlines various algorithms for sorting and searching, the structure and properties of linked lists, stacks, and abstract data types, along with their applications in computer science.

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0% found this document useful (0 votes)
16 views12 pages

A) Define The Following - Terms - (4 Marks) ...

The document covers fundamental concepts in data structures and algorithms, including definitions of data structures, encapsulation, queues, and abstract data types. It discusses properties of algorithms, the importance of algorithm analysis, and differences between recursion and iteration, providing examples in Python. Additionally, it outlines various algorithms for sorting and searching, the structure and properties of linked lists, stacks, and abstract data types, along with their applications in computer science.

Uploaded by

ndumbokenneth
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
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Download as DOCX, PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
You are on page 1/ 12

Looks like you've got another set of questions covering fundamental concepts in data

structures and algorithms! Let's tackle them.

QUESTION ONE

a) Define the following terms: (4 marks)

i) Data structures: A way of organizing and storing data in a computer so that it can
be accessed and modified efficiently. It defines the relationships1 between the data
elements and the operations that can be performed on them.

ii) Encapsulation: In the context of data structures and object-oriented


programming, encapsulation is the bundling of data (attributes) and the methods
(operations) that operate on that data into a single unit. It also involves hiding the
internal implementation details of the data structure from the outside world, exposing
only a well-defined interface.

iii) Queue: A linear data structure that follows the First-In, First-Out (FIFO)
principle. Elements are added to the rear (end) and removed from the front
(beginning).

iv) Abstract Data Type (ADT): A theoretical concept that defines a data type based
on the operations that can be performed on it and the logical properties of these
operations, without specifying the underlying implementation details. It focuses on
what the data type represents and how it behaves.

b) A good programmer must be able to conceptualize a problem. This he can


put down as an algorithm. Algorithms can be expressed in terms of pseudo
codes or flowcharts.

i) Highlight any four properties of an algorithm (4 marks)


● Input: An algorithm may take zero or more well-defined inputs.
● Output: An algorithm must produce at least one well-defined output.
● Definiteness (Unambiguity): Each step in the algorithm must be precisely
defined and unambiguous.
● Finiteness: An algorithm must always terminate after a finite number of steps for
any valid input.

ii) Justify any three reasons why analysis of algorithms is important (3 marks)
● Efficiency: Analyzing algorithms helps us understand their time and space
complexity, allowing us to choose the most efficient algorithm for a given task,
especially when dealing with large datasets.
● Scalability: By understanding how an algorithm's performance scales with
increasing input size, we can predict its behavior and ensure it remains efficient
as the problem size grows.
● Resource Optimization: Algorithm analysis helps in determining the resources
(CPU time, memory) an algorithm will consume, enabling us to optimize resource
usage and avoid performance bottlenecks.

iii) What is the difference between recursion and iteration in program


development? Use a high-level language example to make your point clear (4
marks)

Recursion: A programming technique where a function calls itself directly or


indirectly to solve a smaller version of the same problem. It continues until a base
case is reached, which stops the recursion.

Iteration: A programming technique that uses loops (like for or while) to repeatedly
execute a block of code until a certain condition is met.

Python Example:

Python

# Recursive function to calculate factorial


def factorial_recursive(n):
if n == 0:
return 1 # Base case
else:
return n * factorial_recursive(n - 1)

# Iterative function to calculate factorial


def factorial_iterative(n):
result = 1
for i in range(1, n + 1):
result *= i
return result

print(f"Factorial of 5 (recursive): {factorial_recursive(5)}")


print(f"Factorial of 5 (iterative): {factorial_iterative(5)}")

In the recursive example, factorial_recursive calls itself with a smaller value of n until n
becomes 0. In the iterative example, a for loop is used to repeatedly multiply numbers
from 1 to n. Recursion often leads to more concise and elegant code for problems
with self-similar subproblems, but it can have higher overhead due to function call
stack management. Iteration is generally more efficient in terms of memory usage and
speed for simple repetitive tasks.

iv) What is the Big Oh Notation (2 marks)

Big O Notation is a mathematical notation used to describe the limiting behavior of a


function when the argument tends towards a particular2 value or infinity. In the
context of algorithm3 analysis, it provides an upper bound on the growth rate of the
time or space complexity of an algorithm as the input size increases. It describes the
worst-case scenario for the algorithm's performance.

ci) Name one disadvantage of Binary Tree Data Structure (1 mark)

One disadvantage of a basic Binary Tree is that if it's not balanced, it can become
skewed, resembling a linked list in its worst-case structure. This can lead to a worst-
case time complexity of O(n) for operations like search, insertion, and deletion, where
'n' is the number of nodes, negating the potential for logarithmic time complexity that
balanced binary trees offer.

ii) List any two conditions that should be satisfied when an array type is
appropriate for representing an abstract data type (2 marks)
● Fixed or Predictable Size: When the maximum number of elements in the ADT is
known or can be estimated beforehand, an array with a fixed size can be
efficiently used.
● Frequent Access by Index: If the ADT requires frequent access to elements
based on their position (index), arrays provide constant-time (O(1)) access,
making them suitable.

d) Searching algorithms are used to read a particular record from a collection


of records, write algorithms to demonstrate the following searching
techniques.

i) Selection sort algorithm (4 marks)

Note: Selection sort is a sorting algorithm, not a searching algorithm. It rearranges


elements to be in order. If you meant to ask for a searching algorithm, perhaps you
meant Linear Search. However, I will provide the Selection Sort algorithm as
requested.

Algorithm SelectionSort(array)
Input: An unsorted array.
Output: The sorted array.

Steps:
1. For i from 0 to length(array) - 2:
2. min_index = i
3. For j from i + 1 to length(array) - 1:
4. If array[j] < array[min_index]:
5. min_index = j
6. If min_index is not equal to i:
7. Swap array[i] and array[min_index]

ii) Bubble sort (4 marks)

Note: Bubble sort is also a sorting algorithm. If you intended a searching algorithm,
perhaps you meant Binary Search (which requires a sorted array). I will provide the
Bubble Sort algorithm as requested.

Algorithm BubbleSort(array)
Input: An unsorted array.
Output: The sorted array.
Steps:
1. n = length(array)
2. For i from 0 to n - 2:
3. swapped = false
4. For j from 0 to n - i - 2:
5. If array[j] > array[j + 1]:
6. Swap array[j] and array[j + 1]
7. swapped = true
8. If swapped is false:
9. Break // Optimization: if no swaps occur, the array is sorted

iii) State the most efficient of the two algorithms, justify your answer (2 marks)

Selection sort is generally more efficient than bubble sort in terms of the number of
swaps. Bubble sort can perform many swaps even if the array is nearly sorted.
Selection sort performs at most n-1 swaps in total.

In terms of time complexity, both selection sort and bubble sort have a time
complexity of O(n²) in the average and worst cases. Therefore, asymptotically, they
are considered to have the same efficiency in terms of growth rate. However, due to
the lower number of swaps, selection sort often performs slightly better in practice,
especially when writes to memory are expensive operations.

QUESTION TWO

ai) What is a linked list? Explain (2 marks)

A linked list is a linear data structure in which elements are not stored in contiguous memory
locations. Instead, each element (called a node) contains4 two parts: the data itself and a
pointer (or reference) to the next node in the sequence. The first node of the list is called the
head, and the last node's pointer typically points to null or a special end marker. This
structure allows for efficient insertion and deletion of elements at any position without
needing to shift other elements.
ii) Outline the properties of the linked list abstract data type (4 marks)
● Sequential Access: Elements in a linked list are accessed sequentially, starting
from the head and following the pointers to the desired element. Direct access
by index (like in arrays) is not efficient.
● Dynamic Size: Linked lists can grow or shrink dynamically during runtime as
nodes are added or removed, without a predefined size limit (within memory
constraints).
● Efficient Insertion and Deletion: Inserting or deleting an element at any position
in a linked list can be done in O(1) time (after finding the position), as it only
involves updating a few pointers, without shifting other elements.
● Memory Overhead: Linked lists require extra memory to store the pointers
associated with each node, which is an overhead compared to arrays where
elements are stored contiguously.

iii) Write an algorithm used to delete an element from a list (6 marks)

Algorithm DeleteElementFromList(head, value)


Input: The head of a linked list and the value of the element to delete.
Output: The head of the modified linked list.

Steps:
1. If head is null, return null (empty list).
2. If head's data is equal to value:
3. Return head.next // Delete the head node
4. current = head
5. while current.next is not null:
6. if current.next.data is equal to value:
7. current.next = current.next.next // Bypass the node to be deleted
8. return head // Element found and deleted
9. current = current.next
10. return head // Element not found

bi) Write a pseudo code algorithm that prompts the user for three integers,
evaluates the largest and prints the maximum (4 marks)

Algorithm FindMaximum
Input: None (prompts user for input)
Output: The largest of the three entered integers.

Steps:
1. Prompt the user to enter the first integer and store it in variable num1.
2. Prompt the user to enter the second integer and store it in variable num2.
3. Prompt the user to enter the third integer and store it in variable num3.
4. Initialize a variable max_num with the value of num1.
5. If num2 is greater than max_num, set max_num = num2.
6. If num3 is greater than max_num, set max_num = num3.
7. Print the value of max_num as the maximum.

ii) Implement the algorithm above into a program using a high-level language (4
marks)

Here's a Python implementation:

Python

def find_maximum():
"""Prompts the user for three integers and prints the maximum."""
try:
num1 = int(input("Enter the first integer: "))
num2 = int(input("Enter the second integer: "))
num3 = int(input("Enter the third integer: "))

max_num = num1
if num2 > max_num:
max_num = num2
if num3 > max_num:
max_num = num3

print(f"The maximum integer is: {max_num}")

except ValueError:
print("Invalid input. Please enter integers only.")

if __name__ == "__main__":
find_maximum()

QUESTION FOUR

ai) Define a stack ADT (2 marks)

A Stack ADT is a linear data structure that follows the Last-In, First-Out (LIFO)
principle. Elements can only be added to (pushed onto) or removed from (popped off)
the top of the stack.

ii) Write an algorithm that demonstrates the push and pop stack fundamental
operations (8 marks)

Algorithm StackOperationsDemo
Input: None
Output: Demonstrates push and pop operations on a stack.

// Assume a Stack data structure with functions:


// isEmpty(): Returns true if the stack is empty, false otherwise.
// push(item): Adds an item to the top of the stack.
// pop(): Removes and returns the top item. Handles underflow.
// peek(): Returns the top item without removing it. Handles underflow.

Steps:
1. Create an empty stack called myStack.
2. Print "Pushing elements onto the stack:"
3. push(myStack, 10)
4. Print "Pushed: 10"
5. push(myStack, 20)
6. Print "Pushed: 20"
7. push(myStack, 30)
8. Print "Pushed: 30"
9. Print "Top element:", peek(myStack)
10. Print "\nPopping elements from the stack:"
11. If not isEmpty(myStack):
12. popped_item = pop(myStack)
13. Print "Popped:", popped_item
14. If not isEmpty(myStack):
15. popped_item = pop(myStack)
16. Print "Popped:", popped_item
17. If not isEmpty(myStack):
18. popped_item = pop(myStack)
19. Print "Popped:", popped_item
20. Print "\nTrying to pop from an empty stack:"
21. If not isEmpty(myStack):
22. popped_item = pop(myStack)
23. Print "Popped:", popped_item
24. Else:
25. Print "Stack is empty, cannot pop."

iii) Briefly explain any two applications of stack in computer science (4 marks)
● Function Call Stack: When a program executes, function calls are managed
using a stack. When a function is called, its information (return address, local
variables, parameters) is pushed onto the stack. When the function finishes, this
information is popped off, allowing the program to return to the correct point.
● Expression Evaluation: Stacks are used in evaluating arithmetic expressions,
particularly for converting infix expressions to postfix (Reverse Polish Notation)
and then evaluating the postfix expressions. They help manage operator
precedence and operands.

bi) Define the term Abstract Data Type (ADT) and hence give its properties (6
marks)

Abstract Data Type (ADT): As defined earlier, an ADT is a theoretical description of


a data type based on its operations and their logical behavior, without specifying the
implementation.

Properties of ADTs:
● Abstraction: Focuses on the "what" (operations and behavior) rather than the
"how" (implementation details).
● Encapsulation: Bundles data and the operations that act on that data, hiding the
internal representation.
● Information Hiding: The internal structure and implementation of the ADT are
hidden from the user, who interacts with it only through the defined interface.
● Modularity: ADTs promote modular design, allowing for the creation of reusable
and independent components.
● Well-defined Interface: ADTs have a clear and consistent set of operations that
users can rely on.

QUESTION FIVE

a) Give two properties that a linear list must adhere to (2 marks)


● Ordered Sequence: Elements in a linear list have a specific order, and their
position in the list is significant.
● Sequential Access (typically): While not strictly enforced by the definition of a
linear list ADT, many common implementations (like arrays and singly linked lists)
involve accessing elements sequentially.

b) Write an algorithm that explains a linear list insertion (8 marks)

Algorithm LinearListInsertion(list, position, element)


Input: A linear list, the position to insert the element, and the element to be inserted.
Output: The modified linear list.

// Assume a linear list with 1-based indexing.

Steps:
1. If position is less than 1 or greater than length(list) + 1:
2. Print "Invalid insertion position."
3. Return list
4. If the list is implemented using an array (with a fixed maximum size):
5. If length(list) equals maximum_size:
6. Print "List is full, cannot insert."
7. Return list
8. For i from length(list) down to position:
9. list[i] = list[i - 1] // Shift elements to the right
10. list[position - 1] = element // Insert the new element
11. Increment the length of the list
12. Else if the list is implemented using a linked list:
13. Create a new node with the given element.
14. If position is 1:
15. new_node.next = head
16. head = new_node
17. Else:
18. current = head
19. For i from 1 to position - 2:
20. If current is null:
21. Print "Invalid insertion position."
22. Return list
23. current = current.next
24. new_node.next = current.next
25. current.next = new_node
26. Return the (potentially modified) list (or head of the linked list).

c) Write an algorithm that explains the pop and push operations in a stack (8
marks)

Algorithm StackOperations(stack, operation, element)


Input: A stack data structure, the operation to perform ('push' or 'pop'), and the
element (for push operation).
Output: The modified stack or the popped element.

// Assume a Stack data structure with:


// top: Pointer to the top element.
// array or linked list to store elements.

Steps:
1. If operation is 'push':
2. Create a new node (if using linked list) or find the next available slot

Sources
1. https://www.fireblazeaischool.in/blogs/mastering-data-analytics-interview-questions-and-
answers-for-zomato/
2. https://github.com/Akotz89/IterationAndRecursion
3. https://www.simplilearn.com/big-o-notation-in-data-structure-article
4. https://fastercapital.com/content/The-Art-of-Efficiency--Mastering-Time-Complexity-at-IOI.html
5. https://www.scribd.com/document/781415549/Linear-data-structures
6. https://github.com/shubham9397/Python-

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