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Procedure Solver

Stage: 5 Challenge Level: Challenge Level:1

Why do this problem?

This problem is an introduction to algorithmic thinking. This branch of mathematical activity is of great use in decision mathematics and leads students into the important art of computer programming. It is essentially content free in terms of prior knowledge, so may be used at any stage of a course of study.

Possible approach

This problem should be shown to the students with no explanation. What sense can they make of the layout and the problem? Gradually the concept that the problem represents an algorithm will emerge. Students may then begin to test the algorithm on pairs of numbers to try to determine what the procedure does. Can they prove that the algorithm does this in general?

Students might want to think algebraically. They might become confused by the assigments `X = X - Y' and will need to understand that X represents a 'place holder' for a value which can change at each step of the procedure. Whilst such reassignements are common in computer programming, they might be seen as unusual by sixth formers.

Key questions

This question demands clear organised thinking. Questioning should encourage this.
  • What do the arrows and boxes represent?
  • What happens, for example, for X = 10; Y = 25?
  • What is the meaning of an expression such as 'X = X - Y'?

Possible extension

  • Can you program this procedure into Microsoft Excel?
  • Can you create a clear, step-by-step algorithm to find the solution of a quadratic equation, taking into account that there might be 0, 1 or 2 distinct solutions?
  • Pursue more formal ideas of logical programming using our LOGO environment .

Possible support

If students are unused to the concept of an algorithm, you might first like to try the problems Flow Chart and Zeller's Birthday .

The NRICH Project aims to enrich the mathematical experiences of all learners. To support this aim, members of the NRICH team work in a wide range of capacities, including providing professional development for teachers wishing to embed rich mathematical tasks into everyday classroom practice. More information on many of our other activities can be found here.
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NRICH is part of the family of activities in the Millennium Mathematics Project.