What is the term for the approach that focuses on breaking a problem down into subproblems?

The term that refers to the approach of breaking a problem down into subproblems is "divide and conquer." This method involves dividing a complex problem into smaller, more manageable subproblems, solving each of those subproblems independently, and then combining the solutions to address the overall problem. This strategy is widely used in algorithms, especially in sorting and searching algorithms, such as Merge Sort and Quick Sort, where the problem is recursively divided into smaller parts until a solution is reached for the simplest cases.

The effectiveness of the divide and conquer strategy lies in its ability to simplify complex problems, allowing for solutions that are often more efficient than directly tackling the problem as a whole. Each step of the division captures the essence of the problem, ensuring that the ultimate solution is constructed from well-defined and easily solvable components. This approach facilitates parallel computation and enhances clarity in problem-solving processes.