19 replies to this topic

[Hurricane]

Well, my algorithmics isn't really good. It is really difficult for me to solve the easiest problems, and I just wanted to know, how can I improve my algorithmics? I can't find a lot of exercises, so it's really hard for me to improve it. Is there a way to improve it?
Please help me.

Thanks in advance for your help! =D

[TcM]

You have to improve your thinking, try to play brain games, like sudoku or such games... try solving complicated algebraic problems.

I'm not much of a mathematician myself... so I can't help you much, I'm sure WingedPanther can.. wait for his reply :D

[Hurricane]

I do study a lot of math and play sudoku, but it doesn't seem to help... =\
Who's WingedPanther? =D

[chili5]

Try some harder math :D Crosswords maybe? Or look for some brain game web sites. :)

Look up sample questions from the Hypatia Contest, or some other math contest. :) You could also look up samples of the Canadian computing competition.

:D

[gaylo565]

I would have to agree with Chili and suggest math problems or any even just logic problems. I graduated with my bs in mathematics and algorithms are my strong point as far as programming goes. I have a bad memory for syntax issues but the logic is not so bad. It is just a matter of making your brain work in that logic realm:) One of programmers main holdups is there inability to start over if their initial logic design isn't working. Sometimes it is important to restart the logic mapping from the beginning rather than getting stuck on one way to do something and not being able to quite work it out.
With all this said the best practice is obviously coding new projects which require some algorithm's. Games are good practice for this.

[WingedPanther]

The biggest key to improving your problem-solving skills is.... to solve problems. Unfortunately, a lot of math does NOT help you with this (until you get to advanced college courses, anyway). Solving logic problems (Dell publishing produces lots of them) will help you learn how to analyze problems, but the best resource is probably some of the programming challenge websites out there. Find an easy problem and solve it. If you get stuck, look at some of the solutions and try to understand them.

Additionally, a lot of people approach solving problems incorrectly: they try to write code first. This rarely works for a meaningful problem, because you don't have any idea what you want to accomplish. Start with something simple: can you solve the problem by hand? Record how you accomplish your solution.

If you're looking for a book, I recommend How To Solve It as a fantastic resource.

[Hurricane]

Thank you all for your blessed help!
I'm going to use all the tips you've gave me so far to become a successful problem-solver. =]

[chili5]

I found a great logic puzzle web site awhile ago, which helps my thinking processes.

The only math that would help you is some really tough math, I think. A lot of simple math doesn't help at all. Take a look at:

CEMC - Pascal Contest
CEMC - Fryer Contest
CEMC - Cayley Contest
CEMC - Galois Contest
CEMC - Fermat Contest
CEMC - Hypatia Contest
CEMC - Euclid Contest
CEMC - Canadian Open Mathematics Challenge
Canadian Computing Contest

For tons of challenging math problems, and computer problems. These should be quite helpful. Note: The math contests are high school contests, so they start off simple and get more challenging. :)

[Hurricane]

Wow, we don't learn those things in Israel, and this is so awesome! =D
There are solutions too so I can learn so much from it!

Thank you!! =D

[chili5]

Your quite welcome :D Enjoy :D

[MeTh0Dz]

Project Euler

It even has some nub problems.

[Hurricane]

Thank you! :)
This site is really good as well! =D