How to Use This Page
1. Attempt each exercise problem on your own first. 2. Compare your method and answer with the step-by-step solution provided below. 3. For flowchart questions, draw the flowchart yourself following the algorithm, then compare your diagram with the description given. 4. Revisit the Key Concepts section for quick revision of flowchart symbols and algorithm steps before exams.
Key Concepts (Quick Recap)
1. Always start with an oval (Start) and end with an oval (End). 2. Use arrows to connect all symbols. 3. A decision box must have exactly two outgoing arrows (Yes and No). 4. The flow should be from top to bottom or left to right. 5. Each process box should contain only one action.
- Algorithm: A step-by-step set of instructions to solve a problem or complete a task. Written in plain language.
- Flowchart: A pictorial representation of an algorithm using standard symbols connected by arrows.
- Flowchart Symbols:
- Oval (Terminator): Used for Start and End.
- Rectangle (Process): Used for processing steps, calculations, or actions.
- Diamond (Decision): Used for questions with Yes/No answers. Has two output branches.
- Parallelogram (Input/Output): Used for reading input or displaying output.
- Arrow (Flowline): Shows the direction of flow from one step to the next.
- Sequential Flowchart: Steps are executed one after another in a straight line. No decisions.
- Decision Flowchart: Contains a diamond-shaped decision box that branches into two paths (Yes and No).
- Key Rules for Drawing Flowcharts:
Exercise Solutions
Exercise 6.1 — Flowcharts and Algorithms
Question 1: Match the Following
Answer
(This question involves matching flowchart symbols with their names/purposes. The matching pairs are based on standard flowchart conventions.)
Matching pairs:
1. Oval (Stadium shape) --> Start / End (Terminator)
2. Rectangle --> Process (Operation)
3. Diamond --> Decision (Yes/No question)
4. Parallelogram --> Input / Output
5. Arrow --> Flow direction (Flowline)
The correct matching connects each symbol shape to its purpose in a flowchart. The oval represents the beginning or end, the rectangle represents a process or action, the diamond represents a decision point, the parallelogram represents input or output, and arrows show the direction of flow.
Question 2: Construct a Flowchart for Withdrawing Cash from an ATM
Answer
The steps of withdrawing cash from your savings bank account using an ATM card are explained below. Construct an appropriate flowchart.
Algorithm (Step-by-step process):
Step 1: Insert your ATM/Debit card into the card reader
Step 2: Select your language
Step 3: Select Banking option
Step 4: Select the type of transaction (Withdrawal)
Step 5: Enter your PIN number
Step 6: Enter the amount to withdraw
Step 7: Collect your cash
Step 8: Collect your receipt (if needed)
Step 9: Remove your card
Step 10: End
Flowchart Description:
[Start]
|
v
[Insert ATM Card] (Input - Parallelogram)
|
v
[Select Language] (Process - Rectangle)
|
v
[Select Banking] (Process - Rectangle)
|
v
[Select Transaction Type] (Process - Rectangle)
|
v
[Enter PIN] (Input - Parallelogram)
|
v
[Enter Amount] (Input - Parallelogram)
|
v
[Collect Cash] (Output - Parallelogram)
|
v
[End] (Terminator - Oval)
Note: In a more detailed flowchart, you could add a decision box after entering the PIN: "Is PIN correct?" — Yes continues, No loops back to "Enter PIN."
Question 3: Draw a Flowchart for Recharging a Mobile Phone
Answer
Using the given step-by-step process to recharge a mobile phone, draw a sequential flowchart.
Given Steps:
- Login to the mobile recharge web browser
- Select prepaid or postpaid
- Enter mobile number
- Select operator and browse plans to choose your recharge plan
- Enter amount to recharge
- Proceed to recharge
Flowchart Description:
[Start]
|
v
[Login to mobile recharge web browser] (Process - Rectangle)
|
v
[Select Prepaid or Postpaid] (Process - Rectangle)
|
v
[Enter Mobile Number] (Input - Parallelogram)
|
v
[Select Operator and Browse Plans] (Process - Rectangle)
|
v
[Choose Recharge Plan] (Process - Rectangle)
|
v
[Enter Amount to Recharge] (Input - Parallelogram)
|
v
[Proceed to Recharge] (Process - Rectangle)
|
v
[Recharge Successful] (Output - Parallelogram)
|
v
[End] (Terminator - Oval)
Question 4: Complete the Direction of Arrows in a Traffic Rule Flowchart
Answer
Complete the given flowchart by adding arrows to show the correct flow direction for a traffic rule scenario.
Typical Traffic Rule Flowchart Logic:
[Start]
|
v
[Approach Traffic Signal] (Process - Rectangle)
|
v
<Is the signal Green?> (Decision - Diamond)
| |
Yes No
| |
v v
[Go] <Is the signal Yellow?> (Decision - Diamond)
| | |
| Yes No
| | |
| v v
| [Slow Down] [Stop and Wait]
| | |
| v |
| [Proceed] <-----------+
| |
v v
[End] <-----------------+
Key: Arrows always flow from top to bottom. Decision boxes split into
Yes/No branches. After stopping or slowing, the flow returns to check
the signal again.
The arrows must clearly show:
- From Start, the flow goes to "Approach Traffic Signal"
- From the signal check, Yes (Green) goes to "Go" and No goes to the next decision
- From the Yellow check, Yes goes to "Slow Down" and No goes to "Stop and Wait"
- After "Slow Down" or "Stop," the flow loops back to re-check the signal
- After "Go," the flow proceeds to End
Question 5: Complete the Flowchart to Check Whether Something is Living or Non-living
Answer
Algorithm:
Step 1: Start
Step 2: Input the name of a thing
Step 3: Ask: "Is it a living thing?"
Step 4: If Yes --> Print "Living thing"
If No --> Print "Non-living thing"
Step 5: End
Flowchart Description:
[Start]
|
v
[Input: Name of the thing] (Input - Parallelogram)
|
v
<Is it a living thing?> (Decision - Diamond)
| |
Yes No
| |
v v
[Print: "Living thing"] [Print: "Non-living thing"]
| |
v v
[End] <-----------------+ (Terminator - Oval)
Example:
- Input: Horse
- Is Horse a living thing? --> Yes
- Output: Living thing
Another Example:
- Input: Chair
- Is Chair a living thing? --> No
- Output: Non-living thing
Question 6: Flowchart for Average Marks and Teacher's Comment
Answer
(i) Complete the flowchart to print the average mark by giving your I term and II term marks as inputs.
Algorithm:
Step 1: Start
Step 2: Input I term marks (M1)
Step 3: Input II term marks (M2)
Step 4: Calculate Average = (M1 + M2) / 2
Step 5: Print Average
Step 6: End
Flowchart Description:
[Start]
|
v
[Input: I term marks (M1)] (Input - Parallelogram)
|
v
[Input: II term marks (M2)] (Input - Parallelogram)
|
v
[Average = (M1 + M2) / 2] (Process - Rectangle)
|
v
[Print: Average] (Output - Parallelogram)
|
v
[End] (Terminator - Oval)
Example:
- Input M1 = 72, M2 = 78
- Average = (72 + 78) / 2 = 150 / 2 = 75
- Output: Average = 75
(ii) Extend the flowchart to print the teacher's comment: "Very Good" if average is above 75, otherwise "Still Try More."
Algorithm:
Step 1: Start
Step 2: Input I term marks (M1)
Step 3: Input II term marks (M2)
Step 4: Calculate Average = (M1 + M2) / 2
Step 5: Is Average > 75?
If Yes --> Print "Very Good"
If No --> Print "Still Try More"
Step 6: End
Flowchart Description:
[Start]
|
v
[Input: I term marks (M1)] (Input - Parallelogram)
|
v
[Input: II term marks (M2)] (Input - Parallelogram)
|
v
[Average = (M1 + M2) / 2] (Process - Rectangle)
|
v
<Is Average > 75?> (Decision - Diamond)
| |
Yes No
| |
v v
[Print: "Very Good"] [Print: "Still Try More"]
| |
v v
[End] <-----------------+ (Terminator - Oval)
Examples:
- M1 = 72, M2 = 78: Average = 75, 75 > 75 is No, so Output: "Still Try More"
- M1 = 80, M2 = 78: Average = 79, 79 > 75 is Yes, so Output: "Very Good"
- M1 = 70, M2 = 82: Average = 76, 76 > 75 is Yes, so Output: "Very Good"
Question 7: Flowchart for Profit or Loss Calculation
Answer
A merchant calculates the cost price (CP) and the selling price (SP) of a product. Construct a flowchart to print "PROFIT" if SP > CP, or else print "LOSS."
Algorithm:
Step 1: Start
Step 2: Input Cost Price (CP)
Step 3: Input Selling Price (SP)
Step 4: Is SP > CP?
If Yes --> Print "PROFIT"
If No --> Print "LOSS"
Step 5: End
Flowchart Description:
[Start]
|
v
[Input: Cost Price (CP)] (Input - Parallelogram)
|
v
[Input: Selling Price (SP)] (Input - Parallelogram)
|
v
<Is SP > CP?> (Decision - Diamond)
| |
Yes No
| |
v v
[Print: "PROFIT"] [Print: "LOSS"]
| |
v v
[End] <-----------------+ (Terminator - Oval)
Examples:
Example 1: CP = 500, SP = 650
Step 1: Input CP = 500
Step 2: Input SP = 650
Step 3: Is 650 > 500? --> Yes
Step 4: Output: "PROFIT"
Example 2: CP = 800, SP = 600
Step 1: Input CP = 800
Step 2: Input SP = 600
Step 3: Is 600 > 800? --> No
Step 4: Output: "LOSS"
Example 3: CP = 200, SP = 200
Step 1: Input CP = 200
Step 2: Input SP = 200
Step 3: Is 200 > 200? --> No
Step 4: Output: "LOSS" (When SP = CP, there is no profit, so it falls under "No" branch)
Note: Some flowcharts may add a separate condition for SP = CP
to print "NEUTRAL" or "NO PROFIT NO LOSS," but the given
algorithm only has two outcomes.
Common Mistakes
1. Using the wrong symbol in a flowchart: Always use ovals for Start/End, rectangles for processes, diamonds for decisions, parallelograms for input/output. Using the wrong symbol loses marks in exams.
2. Forgetting arrows between flowchart boxes: Every box must be connected to the next box with an arrow. Arrows show the direction of flow. Missing arrows make the flowchart incomplete.
3. Decision box with more than two outputs: A decision box must have exactly two outgoing paths: Yes and No. If you need more branches, use multiple decision boxes.
4. Not connecting both branches of a decision box: Both the Yes and No paths must lead somewhere. They should either go to different process boxes or converge back to a common point. Never leave a branch hanging.
5. Missing Start and End terminators: Every flowchart must begin with a Start oval and end with an End oval. Forgetting these is a common error.
6. Confusing algorithm and flowchart: An algorithm is written as numbered text steps. A flowchart is a diagram with symbols and arrows. They represent the same logic but in different formats.
7. Incorrect order of steps in ATM/phone recharge flowcharts: The sequence must match real-world logic. For example, you cannot enter a PIN before inserting the card, and you cannot collect cash before entering the amount.
Exam Checklist
- [ ] Can you identify and draw all five standard flowchart symbols (Oval, Rectangle, Diamond, Parallelogram, Arrow)?
- [ ] Can you write an algorithm (step-by-step text) for a given process?
- [ ] Can you convert an algorithm into a flowchart using correct symbols?
- [ ] Can you draw a sequential flowchart (no decisions, straight-line flow)?
- [ ] Can you draw a decision flowchart with Yes/No branches?
- [ ] Can you ensure both branches of a decision box lead to valid next steps?
- [ ] Do you always include Start and End ovals?
- [ ] Can you trace through a flowchart with sample inputs to verify it works correctly?
- [ ] Can you construct flowcharts for real-life processes (ATM withdrawal, phone recharge, profit/loss check, pass/fail check)?
- [ ] Can you identify whether a flowchart is sequential or decision-based?
