Before computers can solve a problem, the problem and the ways in which it can be resolved must be understood. Decomposition helps by breaking down complex problems into more manageable parts.
Decomposition in practice
Example 1: Brushing our teeth
To decompose the problem of how to brush our teeth, we would need to consider:
- which toothbrush to use
- how long to brush for
- how hard to press on our teeth
- what toothpaste to use
Example 2: Solving a crime
It is only normally when we are asked to do a new or more complex task that we start to think about it in detail – to decompose the task.
Imagine that a crime has been committed. Solving a crime can be a very complex problem as there are many things to consider.
For example, a police officer would need to know the answer to a series of smaller problems:
- what crime was committed
- when the crime was committed
- where the crime was committed
- what evidence there is
- if there were any witnesses
- if there have recently been any similar crimes
The complex problem of the committed crime has now been broken down into simpler problems that can be examined individually, in detail.
