Problem Analysis Chart (PAC)
What is a PAC?
Before writing any computer program, we need a plan. A Problem Analysis Chart (PAC) is a simple table that helps us break down a problem into three easy parts:
- Input: What information or data do we need to give to the computer?
- Process: What math or logic does the computer need to perform on that input?
- Output: What is the final answer or result we want to get back?
The Three Main Components
Think of a PAC like a simple table with these columns:
| Component | What does it mean? | Simple Example |
|---|---|---|
| Problem Statement | What are we trying to solve? | Find the area of a rectangle |
| Input Data | What details do we have? | Length, Breadth |
| Process | How do we calculate the answer? | Area = Length × Breadth |
| Output | What is the final result? | Area of the rectangle |
Easy Steps to Create a PAC
Follow these 5 simple steps to build a PAC for any problem:
- Read the problem carefully and understand what needs to be found.
- Find out what values are given or needed (Input).
- Figure out the formula or steps needed to solve it (Process).
- Identify what the final answer should look like (Output).
- Draw a small table and put this information into Input, Process, and Output sections.
Example 1: Area of a Rectangle
Let’s look at a real example of how to organize this:
- Problem: Find the Area of a Rectangle
- Input: Length and Breadth
- Process: Area = Length × Breadth
- Output: Area of the rectangle
Example 2: Simple Interest
Here is another quick example for calculating simple interest:
- Problem: Calculate Simple Interest
- Input: Principal (P), Rate of Interest (R), Time (T)
- Process: Simple Interest = (P × R × T) / 100
- Output: Simple Interest amount
Why Do We Use a PAC?
- It gives you clear direction before you start writing code.
- It stops you from getting confused or making mistakes in your logic.
- It makes it very easy to turn your plan into an algorithm and then a C program.
