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Intro to Computingfundamentals~5 mins

Algorithm efficiency basics (fast vs slow) in Intro to Computing - Quick Revision & Key Differences

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Recall & Review
beginner
What does algorithm efficiency mean?
Algorithm efficiency means how fast or slow an algorithm solves a problem, usually measured by how much time or memory it uses as the input size grows.
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beginner
Why is a fast algorithm better than a slow one?
A fast algorithm finishes tasks quicker, saving time and resources, especially when working with large amounts of data.
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beginner
What is a real-life analogy for algorithm efficiency?
Imagine sorting books on a shelf: a fast algorithm is like quickly grouping books by color in one pass, while a slow one checks each book many times, taking longer.
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intermediate
What does Big O notation describe?
Big O notation describes how the time or space an algorithm needs grows as the input size grows, helping compare efficiency without exact times.
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beginner
How does input size affect algorithm speed?
As input size grows, a slow algorithm's time can increase a lot, while a fast algorithm's time grows slowly, making it better for big inputs.
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Which algorithm is more efficient?
AOne that uses more memory but finishes slower
BOne that finishes in 10 seconds for 10 items
COne that finishes in 2 seconds for 100 items
DOne that finishes in 5 seconds for 50 items
What does a slow algorithm usually do as input grows?
ATakes more time quickly
BTakes the same time
CTakes less time
DStops working
Big O notation helps us understand:
AHow time grows with input size
BExact time in seconds
CHow to write code
DThe color of the output
Which is a good analogy for a fast algorithm?
AIgnoring the books
BChecking each book twice
CReading every book fully
DSorting books by color in one pass
Why do we care about algorithm efficiency?
ATo make programs slower
BTo save time and resources
CTo use more memory
DTo confuse users
Explain in your own words what makes an algorithm fast or slow.
Think about how long it takes to finish as you add more data.
You got /3 concepts.
    Describe a real-life example that helps you understand algorithm efficiency.
    Use something simple like sorting or searching in daily life.
    You got /3 concepts.