BTEC Computing Unit 1 Learning Aim A
and B Exam Questions & Answers
2023/2024
What is computational thinking? - ANSWER-It enables you to analyse a problem, break it down into
smaller parts and identify a strategy to solve the problem.
Decomposition - ANSWER-the act of breaking down (decomposing) a complicated task into a set of more
easily identifiable subproblems.
3 steps of decomposition - ANSWER-break down the problem into subproblems
break down the problem into a series of steps
communication - you need to be able to explain the key features of a problem to others.
pattern recognition - ANSWER-identifying similar subproblems and then solving them using the same
method.
Benefits of pattern recognition - ANSWER-There may be multiple similar subproblems in a problem, if a
single method can solve them all, it is more efficient. If a different but similar problem occurs, we can
reuse a lot of the solution, saving time.
Algorithm - ANSWER-A step-by-step procedure for solving a problem, especially by a computer.
Algorithm design can be broken down into 5 distinct steps: - ANSWER-- Understanding the problem - do
you know exactly what you are being asked to do
- Identify the inputs - what data needs to go into your program
- Identify the processes - are there any calculations or computational operations happening?
- Identify the data storage - do you need a database or a text file?
- Identify the outputs - what data is coming out of your program?
, code libraries - ANSWER-Programmers will keep copies of program segments that can be re-used with
different applications to solve a similar problems.
Benefits of using code libraries - ANSWER-Debugging time can be reduced as these program segments
will have been tested and signed off as fit for purpose.
Abstraction - ANSWER-removing unnecessary information from a problem, so that finding a is solution is
made easier
Variables - ANSWER-Values in a problem or system that may change
Usually input by the user or may result from a calculation.
Constants - ANSWER-Values in a problem or system that remain fixed while the code runs (can not be
changed)
Key Processes (problem solving) - ANSWER-Processes that are essential to the understanding of a
problem or how a system works.
Repeated Processes - ANSWER-Processes that occur multiple times within a problem
Inputs - ANSWER-Values read or entered into a system
Outputs - ANSWER-Information presented to the user
Flowchart - ANSWER-A diagram that shows different paths a program will take depending on what data
is inputted.
Terminal (flowchart) - ANSWER-This is what is used to either start or end a flowchart, larger flowcharts
can use multiple end terminals.
This is represented by an oval shape
and B Exam Questions & Answers
2023/2024
What is computational thinking? - ANSWER-It enables you to analyse a problem, break it down into
smaller parts and identify a strategy to solve the problem.
Decomposition - ANSWER-the act of breaking down (decomposing) a complicated task into a set of more
easily identifiable subproblems.
3 steps of decomposition - ANSWER-break down the problem into subproblems
break down the problem into a series of steps
communication - you need to be able to explain the key features of a problem to others.
pattern recognition - ANSWER-identifying similar subproblems and then solving them using the same
method.
Benefits of pattern recognition - ANSWER-There may be multiple similar subproblems in a problem, if a
single method can solve them all, it is more efficient. If a different but similar problem occurs, we can
reuse a lot of the solution, saving time.
Algorithm - ANSWER-A step-by-step procedure for solving a problem, especially by a computer.
Algorithm design can be broken down into 5 distinct steps: - ANSWER-- Understanding the problem - do
you know exactly what you are being asked to do
- Identify the inputs - what data needs to go into your program
- Identify the processes - are there any calculations or computational operations happening?
- Identify the data storage - do you need a database or a text file?
- Identify the outputs - what data is coming out of your program?
, code libraries - ANSWER-Programmers will keep copies of program segments that can be re-used with
different applications to solve a similar problems.
Benefits of using code libraries - ANSWER-Debugging time can be reduced as these program segments
will have been tested and signed off as fit for purpose.
Abstraction - ANSWER-removing unnecessary information from a problem, so that finding a is solution is
made easier
Variables - ANSWER-Values in a problem or system that may change
Usually input by the user or may result from a calculation.
Constants - ANSWER-Values in a problem or system that remain fixed while the code runs (can not be
changed)
Key Processes (problem solving) - ANSWER-Processes that are essential to the understanding of a
problem or how a system works.
Repeated Processes - ANSWER-Processes that occur multiple times within a problem
Inputs - ANSWER-Values read or entered into a system
Outputs - ANSWER-Information presented to the user
Flowchart - ANSWER-A diagram that shows different paths a program will take depending on what data
is inputted.
Terminal (flowchart) - ANSWER-This is what is used to either start or end a flowchart, larger flowcharts
can use multiple end terminals.
This is represented by an oval shape
