Flowchart Shapes
This specific shape is used at the very beginning and the very end of a flowchart to show where execution starts or stops.
an oval (or rounded rectangle)
This term refers to a named storage box in memory where data can be kept and changed while a program runs.
A variable
Standard selection statements rely on these three foundational keywords to execute alternative paths
IF, THEN, and ELSE
This Boolean operator returns True only when both of the conditions being checked are true.
AND
Trace it: If an algorithm says number = 5, then number = number * 4, what is the final value of number?
20
To calculate a total or perform a math formula in a flowchart, you must place your instruction inside this geometric shape.
rectangle
This data type describes answers or states that can only result in one of two options, such as True/False or Yes/No.
Boolean values
In Python-style programming, this specific symbol combination is used to check if two values are equal.
==
This Boolean operator returns True if at least one of the conditions is true.
OR
Trace it: If an algorithm takes user input x = 4, calculates x = (x + 6) / 2, what is the output?
5
These are the lines with arrows that connect flowchart boxes and show the exact path of execution.
What are data flows (or flow lines)?
When looking at a set of code or a design to find a repeating sequence or layout, you are practicing this computational thinking skill.
Pattern recognition
In Python-style programming, this symbol combination is used to check if two values are not equal to each other.
!=
This Boolean operator flips or reverses the outcome of a single condition (making true false, and false true).
NOT
Find the error: An algorithm begins with a STOP box right under Start, followed by an INPUT box. This structural flaw means the program does this incorrectly.
Terminating immediately before data can be entered or processed
If an algorithm needs to ask a yes/no question or branch based on a condition, it must be written inside this shape.
diamond
This is the specific name for a self-contained block of code or sub-algorithm that can be reused multiple times throughout a program.
A sub-routine
If a student enters a score of 70 into a program that states: IF score >= 70 THEN OUTPUT "Pass" ELSE OUTPUT "Retake", this exact text will be displayed.
"Pass"
Evaluate the logic: True AND (False OR True) results in this Boolean outcome.
True
Find the error: An algorithm is supposed to add three numbers together, but it only contains INPUT first, INPUT second, and subtracts them. What are the two major bugs?
Missing an input for the third number and using subtraction (-) instead of addition (+)
True or False: A parallelogram can be correctly used in a flowchart to calculate the sum of two variables.
false? (Parallelograms are for input/output; rectangles are for processes/calculations).
When a sub-routine finishes its instructions, this keyword is typically used instead of "STOP" to send program execution right back to where it was originally called.
RETURN
This comparison operator checks if a value is strictly smaller than or equal to another value.
<=
Evaluate the logic: NOT(5 > 3 OR 2 == 2) results in this Boolean outcome.
False
Find the error: A flowchart checks a grade with IF grade > 50 THEN OUTPUT "Pass", but completely leaves out the alternative outcome for failing grades. What missing branch is required?
An ELSE branch