Question 1
ASK FOR PRINTED GRAPH SHEETS
16 PAGES
DOUBLE-SIDED PRINT
Printed graph sheets were provided on time.
Printed graph sheets were provided late.
Printed graph sheets were not provided.
I used the graph sheets.
I did not use graph sheets.

The IIT Madras BS AI: Search Methods for Problem Solving (AI Search Methods) End Term paper sat on 13 Apr 2025, in the January 2025 term: 26 questions for 25 marks in 180 minutes. Every question is below with its answer. Take it as a timed mock test to be marked, or read it through first.
ASK FOR PRINTED GRAPH SHEETS
16 PAGES
DOUBLE-SIDED PRINT
Printed graph sheets were provided on time.
Printed graph sheets were provided late.
Printed graph sheets were not provided.
I used the graph sheets.
I did not use graph sheets.
Correct answers
Printed graph sheets were provided on time.
I used the graph sheets.
SEARCH
The figure shows a map on a uniform grid where each tile is 10x10 in size.
The start node is S and the goal node is G.
The MoveGen function returns nodes in alphabetical order.
Use Manhattan Distance as the heuristic function.
Tie-breaker: If several nodes have the same cost, use node labels to break the tie.
Based on the above data, answer the given subquestions.
What is the path found by the Best First Search algorithm? Enter the path as a comma separated list of node labels.
NO SPACES, TABS, DOTS, BRACKETS OR EXTRANEOUS CHARACTERS.
Answer format: S,X,Y,Z
Correct answer: S,D,F,G
SEARCH
The figure shows a map on a uniform grid where each tile is 10x10 in size.
The start node is S and the goal node is G.
The MoveGen function returns nodes in alphabetical order.
Use Manhattan Distance as the heuristic function.
Tie-breaker: If several nodes have the same cost, use node labels to break the tie.
Based on the above data, answer the given subquestions.
What is the path found by A* search algorithm? Enter the path as a comma separated list of node labels.
NO SPACES, TABS, DOTS, BRACKETS OR EXTRANEOUS CHARACTERS.
Answer format: S,X,Y,Z
Correct answer: S,B,E,G
SEARCH
The figure shows a map on a uniform grid where each tile is 10x10 in size.
The start node is S and the goal node is G.
The MoveGen function returns nodes in alphabetical order.
Use Manhattan Distance as the heuristic function.
Tie-breaker: If several nodes have the same cost, use node labels to break the tie.
Based on the above data, answer the given subquestions.
What is the path found by Branch-and-Bound search algorithm? Enter the path as a comma separated list of node labels.
Use the Branch-and-Bound variation that avoids cyclic expansions like S,A,S,A,S,A,...
NO SPACES, TABS, DOTS, BRACKETS OR EXTRANEOUS CHARACTERS.
Answer format: S,X,Y,Z
Correct answer: S,A,C,G
SEARCH
The figure shows a map on a uniform grid where each tile is 10x10 in size.
The start node is S and the goal node is G.
The MoveGen function returns nodes in alphabetical order.
Use Manhattan Distance as the heuristic function.
Tie-breaker: If several nodes have the same cost, use node labels to break the tie.
Based on the above data, answer the given subquestions.
For the given map, which algorithm finds the shortest path from S to G?
A* Search Algorithm
Branch-and-Bound Search Algorithm
None of these
Correct answer
Branch-and-Bound Search Algorithm
SEARCH
The figure shows a map on a uniform grid where each tile is 10x10 in size.
The start node is S and the goal node is G.
The MoveGen function returns nodes in alphabetical order.
Use Manhattan Distance as the heuristic function.
Tie-breaker: If several nodes have the same cost, use node labels to break the tie.
Based on the above data, answer the given subquestions.
Select the correct statement about the given graph.
Heuristic is admissible.
Heuristic is not admissible.
Heuristic is admissible in some cases and not admissible in other cases.
There is not enough information to determine admissibility.
Correct answer
Heuristic is not admissible.
TSP Branch-and-Bound
In the given search problem, how many nodes were refined in order to discover the optimal tour? Enter a number.
NO SPACES, TABS, DOTS, BRACKETS OR EXTRANEOUS CHARACTERS.
Answer format: 42
Correct answer: 7 or 8
TSP Branch-and-Bound
Which node represents the optimal tour and what is the cost of the optimal tour? Enter the node reference number and the tour cost in the text box, or enter NIL if it is not possible to determine the optimal tour.
Enter a node reference number followed by tour cost, separated by comma.
NO SPACES, TABS, DOTS, BRACKETS OR EXTRANEOUS CHARACTERS.
Answer format: a9,42
Correct answer: d3,434
TSP Branch-and-Bound
Determine the number of cities in the TSP instance. Enter the number of cities in the text box, or enter NIL if it is not possible to determine the number of cities.
Enter an integer.
NO SPACES, TABS, DOTS, BRACKETS OR EXTRANEOUS CHARACTERS.
Answer format: 42
Correct answer: 5
TSP Branch-and-Bound
Start from city A, what is the path representation of the optimal tour? Enter the path
representation in the text box, or enter NIL if it is not possible to determine the optimal tour. Enter a comma separated list of cities (city labels).
NO SPACES, TABS, DOTS, BRACKETS OR EXTRANEOUS CHARACTERS.
Answer format: A,B,C
Correct answer: A,B,D,E,C or A,C,E,D,B
GAMES
The figure shows a game tree with evaluation function values at the horizon nodes.
The horizon nodes are labeled from A to G.
Use these labels to enter a horizon node or a list of horizon nodes in short answers (textbox). Tie-breaker: when several nodes carry the same best cost then select the deepest node, if tie persists then select the leftmost of the deepest nodes to break the tie.
Based on the above data, answer the given subquestions.
Which of the following is a strategy for the MAX player?
C,D,E
A,C
A,B
A,D,F
Correct answers
C,D,E
A,B
GAMES
The figure shows a game tree with evaluation function values at the horizon nodes.
The horizon nodes are labeled from A to G.
Use these labels to enter a horizon node or a list of horizon nodes in short answers (textbox). Tie-breaker: when several nodes carry the same best cost then select the deepest node, if tie persists then select the leftmost of the deepest nodes to break the tie.
Based on the above data, answer the given subquestions.
List the horizon nodes in the best strategy for MAX. Enter the node labels in alphabetical order. Enter a comma separated list of node labels in alphabetical order.
NO SPACES, TABS, DOTS, BRACKETS OR EXTRANEOUS CHARACTERS.
Answer format: X,Y,Z
Correct answer: C,F,G
GAMES
The figure shows a game tree with evaluation function values at the horizon nodes.
The horizon nodes are labeled from A to G.
Use these labels to enter a horizon node or a list of horizon nodes in short answers (textbox). Tie-breaker: when several nodes carry the same best cost then select the deepest node, if tie persists then select the leftmost of the deepest nodes to break the tie.
Based on the above data, answer the given subquestions.
List the horizon nodes pruned by Alpha-Beta.
Enter a comma separated list of node labels in alphabetical order.
NO SPACES, TABS, DOTS, BRACKETS OR EXTRANEOUS CHARACTERS.
Answer format: X,Y,Z
Correct answer: F,G
GAMES
The figure shows a game tree with evaluation function values at the horizon nodes.
The horizon nodes are labeled from A to G.
Use these labels to enter a horizon node or a list of horizon nodes in short answers (textbox). Tie-breaker: when several nodes carry the same best cost then select the deepest node, if tie persists then select the leftmost of the deepest nodes to break the tie.
Based on the above data, answer the given subquestions.
List the horizon nodes SOLVED by SSS*.
Enter a comma separated list of node labels in alphabetical order.
NO SPACES, TABS, DOTS, BRACKETS OR EXTRANEOUS CHARACTERS.
Answer format: X,Y,Z
Correct answer: A,C,D,E
PROBLEM DECOMPOSITION
The figure shows an AND-OR graph that depicts how a problem S can be decomposed into one or more smaller problems. Nodes are uniquely identified by labels (S, A, B, …). The number in each node is the heuristic estimate of the cost of solving that node.
Nodes shown in double lines are primitive nodes and their values are actual costs. Observe that a primitive node is added to the graph by its parent when the parent is expanded, and the primitive node is labeled as SOLVED and it will not be expanded subsequently.
The cost of each edge is 2 units.
Tie-breaker 1: If several nodes have the same cost then break the tie using node labels. Tie-breaker 2: For AND nodes, expand the unsolved branch with the highest cost.
Use AO* algorithm to solve S, then answer the subquestions.
List the first three nodes (including S) expanded by AO* algorithm. List the nodes in the order they are expanded. Observe that primitive nodes are not expanded.
Enter a comma separated list of node labels.
NO SPACES, TABS, DOTS, BRACKETS OR EXTRANEOUS CHARACTERS.
Answer format: X,Y,Z
Correct answer: S,C,F or C,F,B
PROBLEM DECOMPOSITION
The figure shows an AND-OR graph that depicts how a problem S can be decomposed into one or more smaller problems. Nodes are uniquely identified by labels (S, A, B, …). The number in each node is the heuristic estimate of the cost of solving that node.
Nodes shown in double lines are primitive nodes and their values are actual costs. Observe that a primitive node is added to the graph by its parent when the parent is expanded, and the primitive node is labeled as SOLVED and it will not be expanded subsequently.
The cost of each edge is 2 units.
Tie-breaker 1: If several nodes have the same cost then break the tie using node labels. Tie-breaker 2: For AND nodes, expand the unsolved branch with the highest cost.
Use AO* algorithm to solve S, then answer the subquestions.
Determine the value of the start node S after each node is expanded. What are the values of S after the 1st, 2nd and 3rd nodes are expanded, respectively? Enter the 3 values in the textbox. Enter a comma separated list of numbers.
NO SPACES, TABS, DOTS, BRACKETS OR EXTRANEOUS CHARACTERS.
Answer format: 12,42,17
Correct answer: 30,26,38 or 26,38,40
PROBLEM DECOMPOSITION
The figure shows an AND-OR graph that depicts how a problem S can be decomposed into one or more smaller problems. Nodes are uniquely identified by labels (S, A, B, …). The number in each node is the heuristic estimate of the cost of solving that node.
Nodes shown in double lines are primitive nodes and their values are actual costs. Observe that a primitive node is added to the graph by its parent when the parent is expanded, and the primitive node is labeled as SOLVED and it will not be expanded subsequently.
The cost of each edge is 2 units.
Tie-breaker 1: If several nodes have the same cost then break the tie using node labels. Tie-breaker 2: For AND nodes, expand the unsolved branch with the highest cost.
Use AO* algorithm to solve S, then answer the subquestions.
What is the final value of the start node S computed by AO*?
Enter a number.
NO SPACES, TABS, DOTS, BRACKETS OR EXTRANEOUS CHARACTERS.
Answer format: 42
Correct answer: 44
RULE BASED EXPERT SYSTEMS
A small part of the Rete Net for classifying resistors is shown in the figure. The labels A1, A2, ..., A10, A11, ..., B1, ..., B5 uniquely identify the nodes in the network. When required, use the above label ordering to break ties and to enter short answers.
Run the Rete algorithm for the Working Memory shown below, the WMEs are in timestamp order. Assume that WMEs reside at appropriate Alpha nodes, and the Beta nodes point to WMEs residing in Alpha nodes.
201. (Band-1 ^itemNo 2B ^colour brown)202. (Band-2 ^itemNo 2B ^colour yellow)203. (Band-1 ^itemNo 3C ^colour black)204. (Band-2 ^itemNo 3C ^colour yellow)205. (Band-3 ^itemNo 3C ^colour orange)206. (Band-3 ^itemNo 2B ^colour blue)207. (Band-4 ^itemNo 2B ^colour gold)208. (Band-3 ^itemNo 1A ^colour blue)209. (Band-2 ^itemNo 1A ^colour red)210. (Band-1 ^itemNo 1A ^colour black)For each WME identify its location (node label) in the Rete Net, and prepare the conflict set for the first cycle, then answer the subquestions.
Which of the following rule-data tuples are in the conflict-set?
Correct answers
RULE BASED EXPERT SYSTEMS
A small part of the Rete Net for classifying resistors is shown in the figure. The labels A1, A2, ..., A10, A11, ..., B1, ..., B5 uniquely identify the nodes in the network. When required, use the above label ordering to break ties and to enter short answers.
Run the Rete algorithm for the Working Memory shown below, the WMEs are in timestamp order. Assume that WMEs reside at appropriate Alpha nodes, and the Beta nodes point to WMEs residing in Alpha nodes.
201. (Band-1 ^itemNo 2B ^colour brown)202. (Band-2 ^itemNo 2B ^colour yellow)203. (Band-1 ^itemNo 3C ^colour black)204. (Band-2 ^itemNo 3C ^colour yellow)205. (Band-3 ^itemNo 3C ^colour orange)206. (Band-3 ^itemNo 2B ^colour blue)207. (Band-4 ^itemNo 2B ^colour gold)208. (Band-3 ^itemNo 1A ^colour blue)209. (Band-2 ^itemNo 1A ^colour red)210. (Band-1 ^itemNo 1A ^colour black)For each WME identify its location (node label) in the Rete Net, and prepare the conflict set for the first cycle, then answer the subquestions.
If the Inference Engine uses Specificity as the conflict resolution strategy then identify the rule- data tuple that will be ready to fire.
Correct answer
RULE BASED EXPERT SYSTEMS
A small part of the Rete Net for classifying resistors is shown in the figure. The labels A1, A2, ..., A10, A11, ..., B1, ..., B5 uniquely identify the nodes in the network. When required, use the above label ordering to break ties and to enter short answers.
Run the Rete algorithm for the Working Memory shown below, the WMEs are in timestamp order. Assume that WMEs reside at appropriate Alpha nodes, and the Beta nodes point to WMEs residing in Alpha nodes.
201. (Band-1 ^itemNo 2B ^colour brown)202. (Band-2 ^itemNo 2B ^colour yellow)203. (Band-1 ^itemNo 3C ^colour black)204. (Band-2 ^itemNo 3C ^colour yellow)205. (Band-3 ^itemNo 3C ^colour orange)206. (Band-3 ^itemNo 2B ^colour blue)207. (Band-4 ^itemNo 2B ^colour gold)208. (Band-3 ^itemNo 1A ^colour blue)209. (Band-2 ^itemNo 1A ^colour red)210. (Band-1 ^itemNo 1A ^colour black)For each WME identify its location (node label) in the Rete Net, and prepare the conflict set for the first cycle, then answer the subquestions.
If the Inference Engine uses Recency as the conflict resolution strategy then identify the rule-data tuples that will be ready to fire. If multiple rule-data tuples qualify then choose one.
Correct answer
AUTOMATED PLANNING
The domain description of a Blocks World with a single one-armed robot is given below.
PREDICATES
armEmpty The arm is not holding any block, it is empty. holding(X) The arm is holding X. onTable(X) X is on the table. clear(X) X has nothing above it, it is clear. on(X,Y) X is directly placed on Y.
OPERATORS
Pickup(X): pick up X from the table. Preconditions: { armEmpty, clear(X), onTable(X) } Add Effects : { holding(X) } Del Effects : { armEmpty, onTable(X) }
Putdown(X): place X on the table. Preconditions: { holding(X) } Add Effects : { armEmpty, onTable(X) } Del Effects : { holding(X) }
Unstack(X,Y): pick up X that is directly sitting on Y. Preconditions: { armEmpty, clear(X), on(X,Y) } Add Effects : { clear(Y), holding(X) } Del Effects : { armempty, on(X,Y) }
Stack(X,Y): place X directly on top of Y. Preconditions: { holding(X), clear(Y) } Add Effects : { armEmpty, on(X,Y) } Del Effects : { holding(X), clear(Y) }Consider the planning problem with the following start state and goal description.
Based on the above data, answer the given subquestions.
Which of the following are applicable actions in the start state?
Correct answers
AUTOMATED PLANNING
The domain description of a Blocks World with a single one-armed robot is given below.
PREDICATES
armEmpty The arm is not holding any block, it is empty. holding(X) The arm is holding X. onTable(X) X is on the table. clear(X) X has nothing above it, it is clear. on(X,Y) X is directly placed on Y.
OPERATORS
Pickup(X): pick up X from the table. Preconditions: { armEmpty, clear(X), onTable(X) } Add Effects : { holding(X) } Del Effects : { armEmpty, onTable(X) }
Putdown(X): place X on the table. Preconditions: { holding(X) } Add Effects : { armEmpty, onTable(X) } Del Effects : { holding(X) }
Unstack(X,Y): pick up X that is directly sitting on Y. Preconditions: { armEmpty, clear(X), on(X,Y) } Add Effects : { clear(Y), holding(X) } Del Effects : { armempty, on(X,Y) }
Stack(X,Y): place X directly on top of Y. Preconditions: { holding(X), clear(Y) } Add Effects : { armEmpty, on(X,Y) } Del Effects : { holding(X), clear(Y) }Consider the planning problem with the following start state and goal description.
Based on the above data, answer the given subquestions.
Which of the following are relevant actions in the goal state?
Correct answers
AUTOMATED PLANNING
The domain description of a Blocks World with a single one-armed robot is given below.
PREDICATES
armEmpty The arm is not holding any block, it is empty. holding(X) The arm is holding X. onTable(X) X is on the table. clear(X) X has nothing above it, it is clear. on(X,Y) X is directly placed on Y.
OPERATORS
Pickup(X): pick up X from the table. Preconditions: { armEmpty, clear(X), onTable(X) } Add Effects : { holding(X) } Del Effects : { armEmpty, onTable(X) }
Putdown(X): place X on the table. Preconditions: { holding(X) } Add Effects : { armEmpty, onTable(X) } Del Effects : { holding(X) }
Unstack(X,Y): pick up X that is directly sitting on Y. Preconditions: { armEmpty, clear(X), on(X,Y) } Add Effects : { clear(Y), holding(X) } Del Effects : { armempty, on(X,Y) }
Stack(X,Y): place X directly on top of Y. Preconditions: { holding(X), clear(Y) } Add Effects : { armEmpty, on(X,Y) } Del Effects : { holding(X), clear(Y) }Consider the planning problem with the following start state and goal description.
Based on the above data, answer the given subquestions.
In the planning graph, which of the following are mutex action pairs in Layer 1?
Correct answers
AUTOMATED PLANNING
The domain description of a Blocks World with a single one-armed robot is given below.
PREDICATES
armEmpty The arm is not holding any block, it is empty. holding(X) The arm is holding X. onTable(X) X is on the table. clear(X) X has nothing above it, it is clear. on(X,Y) X is directly placed on Y.
OPERATORS
Pickup(X): pick up X from the table. Preconditions: { armEmpty, clear(X), onTable(X) } Add Effects : { holding(X) } Del Effects : { armEmpty, onTable(X) }
Putdown(X): place X on the table. Preconditions: { holding(X) } Add Effects : { armEmpty, onTable(X) } Del Effects : { holding(X) }
Unstack(X,Y): pick up X that is directly sitting on Y. Preconditions: { armEmpty, clear(X), on(X,Y) } Add Effects : { clear(Y), holding(X) } Del Effects : { armempty, on(X,Y) }
Stack(X,Y): place X directly on top of Y. Preconditions: { holding(X), clear(Y) } Add Effects : { armEmpty, on(X,Y) } Del Effects : { holding(X), clear(Y) }Consider the planning problem with the following start state and goal description.
Based on the above data, answer the given subquestions.
In the planning graph, which of the following are mutex proposition pairs in Layer 1?
Correct answers
CONSTRAINT SATISFACTION
The set of junctions (L, W, Y and T type junctions) that occur in a 2D line drawing of trihedral objects is provided below. The in-plane clockwise/counterclockwise rotations of these junctions are valid as well. These junctions provide constraints on the possible edge assignments (convex, concave, arrow) for the edges/lines in 2D line drawings of trihedral objects.
The junctions carry unique labels: L1, L2, L3, L4, L5, L6, T1, T2, T3, T4, W1, W2, W3, Y1, Y2, Y3. When required, use the labels in short answers.
Note: A 2D line drawing of trihedral objects is considered to be consistent if all the edges and junctions can be assigned labels that are consistent with each other, otherwise the drawing is considered to be inconsistent and all labels are reset to NIL.
Apply a suitable algorithm to assign consistent labels to edges/junctions in the 2D line drawings in the sub-questions. Choose a suitable edge and junction order for solving the problems. Based on the above data, answer the given subquestions.
Assign consistent labels to all the edges and junctions in the 2D line drawing shown below. Enter the labels of the junctions 1, 2, 3, 4 in the text box, in that order. Or enter NIL if the drawing has no consistent label assignment.
Enter a comma separated list of junction labels, or enter NIL.
NO SPACES, TABS, DOTS, BRACKETS OR EXTRANEOUS CHARACTERS.
Answer format: X9,Y9,Z9,W9
Correct answer: Y1,W1,L5,T4 or Y2,W2,L5,T4
CONSTRAINT SATISFACTION
The set of junctions (L, W, Y and T type junctions) that occur in a 2D line drawing of trihedral objects is provided below. The in-plane clockwise/counterclockwise rotations of these junctions are valid as well. These junctions provide constraints on the possible edge assignments (convex, concave, arrow) for the edges/lines in 2D line drawings of trihedral objects.
The junctions carry unique labels: L1, L2, L3, L4, L5, L6, T1, T2, T3, T4, W1, W2, W3, Y1, Y2, Y3. When required, use the labels in short answers.
Note: A 2D line drawing of trihedral objects is considered to be consistent if all the edges and junctions can be assigned labels that are consistent with each other, otherwise the drawing is considered to be inconsistent and all labels are reset to NIL.
Apply a suitable algorithm to assign consistent labels to edges/junctions in the 2D line drawings in the sub-questions. Choose a suitable edge and junction order for solving the problems. Based on the above data, answer the given subquestions.
Assign consistent labels to all the edges and junctions in the 2D line drawing shown below. Enter the labels of the junctions 1, 2, 3, 4 in the text box, in that order. Or enter NIL if the drawing has no consistent label assignment.
Enter a comma separated list of junction labels, or enter NIL.
NO SPACES, TABS, DOTS, BRACKETS OR EXTRANEOUS CHARACTERS.
Answer format: X9,Y9,Z9,W9
Correct answer: NIL