Write an algorithm that accepts four numbers as input and find the largest and smallest of them.
Algorithm to Find Largest and Smallest of Four Numbers
Step 1: Start the algorithm.
Step 2: Accept four numbers as input from the user. Let these numbers be stored in variables A, B, C, and D.
Step 3: To find the largest number, compare the first two numbers A and B. Store the larger value in a variable called LARGE. Then compare LARGE with C. If C is larger, update LARGE to C. Next, compare LARGE with D. If D is larger, update LARGE to D.
Step 4: To find the smallest number, compare the first two numbers A and B. Store the smaller value in a variable called SMALL. Then compare SMALL with C. If C is smaller, update SMALL to C. Next, compare SMALL with D. If D is smaller, update SMALL to D.
Step 5: Display the values of LARGE and SMALL as the largest and smallest numbers respectively.
Step 6: Stop the algorithm.
This algorithm uses comparison operations to determine the maximum and minimum values among the four input numbers. The process involves sequential decision making where each number is compared with the current largest or smallest value, and updates are made when a new extreme value is found.
Explanation
The question asks for an algorithm to find the largest and smallest of four numbers. The context mentions that algorithms need to identify input, process, and output. It also references writing algorithms for finding the greatest among numbers (Question 8). The algorithm follows standard practice: accept inputs, process through comparisons, and output results. The solution uses sequential comparison to find both extremes efficiently.
Solution Steps
Step 1: Start
Step 2: Input four numbers A, B, C, D
Step 3: Find largest by comparing pairs sequentially
Step 4: Find smallest by comparing pairs sequentially
Step 5: Display largest and smallest
Step 6: Stop