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Chapter 4: Applied problem solving

Summary

face Josiah Wang

So, as a quick recap, I have guided you through these practical problem solving exercises in this chapter.

You have implemented an exhaustive search technique (or brute-force search), which is always a good way to start if you cannot come up with a better solution.

You have also practised implementing an existing algorithm. In this case, you do not have to come up with a solution, but just have to understand the existing algorithm, and implement it correctly.

We have also cover the concept of approximation. A lot of work with AI and Machine Learning nowadays is about approximating the solution.

A lot of our course will be about designing algorithms (‘recipes’) and implementing them to enable the computer to solve a task. Your final lab test will also be these kinds of ‘problem solving’ tasks (under added time pressure). So make sure you practise a lot, so that you will gain more confidence over the period of the course to be able to think up of solutions fast!