3.1.2

Decomposing Tasks

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Computational Thinking with Cupcakes

Decomposing is a method used in computational thinking. It means breaking a big task into smaller tasks.

Decomposing: example

Decomposing: example

  • Imagine telling your friends how to make cupcakes for a party.
  • If you just say, ‘make the cupcakes’, they might get confused.
  • Everyone might do it differently
Decomposing gives the steps

Decomposing gives the steps

  • There are different parts to making cupcakes:
    • Make the batter.
    • Make the icing.
    • Bake the cakes.
    • Add the toppings.
  • Each of these tasks can be decomposed into logical steps.
Steps

Steps

  • The steps must be clear.
  • The steps must be in the right order.
  • The steps must be clear and repeatable so you get the same results every time.
  • The steps and rules that are followed are called an algorithm.
Algorithms

Algorithms

  • Think of an algorithm like the steps in the recipe for the cupcakes.
Jump to other topics
1

Using Computers

1.1

Computers as a Tool

1.1.1Uses of Computers1.1.2More Uses of Computers1.1.3Advantages of Information Technology1.1.4More Advantages of Information Technology
1.2

Data

1.2.1Storing Data1.2.2Databases1.2.3Sorting & Filtering Data1.2.4Interrogating Data
1.3

Plagiarism & Illegal Sharing

1.3.1Plagiarism1.3.2Copyrighted Content
2

Networks & the World Wide Web

2.1

Networks

2.1.1Parts of Networks2.1.2The Internet2.1.3The World Wide Web
2.2

Searching Online

2.2.1Searching the World Wide Web2.2.2Searching Tips2.2.3Reliable Information
2.3

Protecting Yourself Online

2.3.1Your Digital Footprint2.3.2Being Safe2.3.3Online Safety2.3.4Viruses2.3.5Malware2.3.6People Online2.3.7Your Feelings2.3.8Getting Help
3

Computational Thinking

3.1

Computational Thinking

3.1.1Computational Thinking3.1.2Decomposing Tasks3.1.3Algorithms (1/2)3.1.4Algorithms (2/2)3.1.5Logical Reasoning & Debugging
4

Computer Languages

4.1

Coding

4.1.1Code4.1.2Programs4.1.3Writing Programs4.1.4Writing Your Own Program: Input, Outputs, Design4.1.5Turning an Algorithm into an App (1/2)4.1.6Turning an Algorithm into an App (2/2)

Practice questions on Decomposing Tasks

Can you answer these? Test yourself with free interactive practice on Seneca — used by over 10 million students.

  1. 1
    After you have decomposed a task (such as baking a cake), what are you left with? Multiple choice
  2. 2
    In an algorithm, what order must the steps be done in to get the same results every time?Multiple choice
  3. 3
    What is the name of the method used to break down a complex task down into smaller chunks?Multiple choice
  4. 4
    How should the steps in an algorithm beTrue / false
Answer all questions on Decomposing Tasks

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Computational Thinking

Algorithms (1/2)