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In Class
Exercise 2
It can be very
difficult for people to write clear and complete algorithms,
such as a set of directions. We often take things for granted
when writing directions and use our intelligence to interpret
poorly written directions. For example, directions often
contain clauses like "turn left at the third red light." But
what if one of the lights is green? Does it count? Would a
person even ask this question, or just make an assumption
about what the writer meant? How would a computerized robot
handle such a problem? Try writing a detailed set of
directions for a simple everyday process, such as making a pot
of coffee, then exchange your directions with another
student. Critique each other's directions to see if they are
clear and complete. Did the writer make assumptions that
caused steps to be left out of the algorithm?
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