Programming

Question 1

Define the term ‘algorithm’

Answer 1

An algorithm is a step-by-step set of instructions designed to perform a specific task or solve a particular problem.

Question 2

Explain what is meant by ‘decomposition’

Answer 2

Decomposition refers to the process of breaking down a complex problem into smaller, more manageable sub-problems or tasks.

Question 3

Explain what is meant by ‘abstraction’

Answer 3

Abstraction involves focusing on the essential details while ignoring unnecessary complexities. It allows us to represent real-world problems in a simplified manner, emphasizing only the relevant aspects needed to understand or solve the problem.

Question 4

Interpret pseudocode

Answer 4

Pseudocode is a high-level description of a computer program or algorithm written in plain English or a mixture of natural language and informal programming syntax.

Question 5

Write pseudocode

Answer 5

1. Start
2. Input a number
3. If the number is greater than 10, then
4. Display “Number is greater than 10”
5. Else
6. Display “Number is less than or equal to 10”
7. End If
8. Stop

Question 6

Identify inputs, processes, and outputs within a given algorithm

Answer 6

Inputs are the data provided to the algorithm at the beginning. Processes are the steps or operations performed on the input data. Outputs are the results produced by the algorithm after processing the input.

Question 7

Describe the purpose of a given algorithm

Answer 7

The purpose of an algorithm is to solve a specific problem or perform a particular task efficiently and accurately by following a predefined set of steps.

Question 8

Describe what is meant by ‘data type’

Answer 8

A data type defines the type of data that a variable can hold. It specifies the range of values that the variable can take and the operations that can be performed on it.

Question 9

Define ‘integer’

Answer 9

A data type that represents whole numbers without any fractional part.

Question 10

Define ‘real’

Answer 10

A data type that represents numbers with a fractional part.

Question 11

Define ‘Boolean’

Answer 11

A data type that represents true or false values.

Question 12

Define ‘character’

Answer 12

A data type that represents a single character, such as a letter, digit, or symbol.

Question 13

Define ‘string’

Answer 13

A data type that represents a sequence of characters.

Question 14

Describe ‘iteration’

Answer 14

Iteration involves repeating a set of instructions or a block of code multiple times until a specific condition is met or for a specified number of times.

Question 15

Describe ‘selection’

Answer 15

Selection, also known as conditional statements, involves making decisions based on certain conditions. It allows the program to execute different sets of instructions based on whether a condition is true or false.

Question 16

Use and explain definite (count-controlled) iteration

Answer 16

Definite iteration involves executing a loop for a specific number of times, known in advance. It typically uses a counter variable to control the number of iterations.

Question 17

Use and explain indefinite (condition-controlled) iteration

Answer 17

Indefinite iteration involves executing a loop as long as a specific condition remains true. The number of iterations is not predetermined and depends on the condition being evaluated.

Question 18

Use and explain nested structures

Answer 18

Nested structures involve placing one loop or decision-making construct inside another. This allows for more complex control flow and solving problems that require multiple levels of iteration or selection.

Question 19

Explain the need for meaningful identifiers

Answer 19

Meaningful identifiers, such as variable names and function names, make code more readable and understandable. They convey the purpose or meaning of the entity they represent, improving code maintainability and reducing the chances of errors.

Question 20

Explain the need for meaningful identifiers

Answer 20

Meaningful identifiers, such as variable names and function names, make code more readable and understandable. They convey the purpose or meaning of the entity they represent, improving code maintainability and reducing the chances of errors.

Question 21

constants and variables

Answer 21

Constants are values that don’t change, like pi (π). Variables are values that can change, like score or name.