WCSD SC&A Programming

One evening, a teacher uses a computer program to record each student’s test grade. She then uses the program to calculate each student’s test average for the year. The teacher then plans her lessons for the following week. Which of the following best explains how the computer algorithm helps the teacher?

• It gives the teacher step-by-step directions on how to grade tests.

• It makes a simple task more complex for the teacher.

• It reduces the errors the teacher makes in writing tests.

• It saves time for the teacher so that she can do other tasks.

Answer explanation

By using a computer program to record and calculate test grades, the teacher can automate the process of grading and averaging, saving significant time compared to manually performing these tasks. This efficiency allows the teacher to allocate more time to planning lessons, providing feedback to students, or attending to other administrative responsibilities. Thus, the computer algorithm streamlines the grading process, enabling the teacher to focus on more valuable tasks beyond basic data entry and calculations.

Which of the following explains why a recipe is considered an algorithm?

• A recipe gives different steps each time it is executed.

• The person who uses the recipe will have less time to do other activities.

• The dish created by a recipe is the same each time it is followed properly.

• A recipe gives more complex tasks in each step.

Answer explanation

An algorithm is a step-by-step procedure or set of instructions for solving a problem or accomplishing a task. A recipe fits this definition because it provides a sequence of steps to follow in order to create a dish. Just as an algorithm reliably produces the same output when given the same input, a recipe, when followed correctly, consistently results in the same dish. This consistency is what distinguishes a recipe as an algorithm, as it provides a predictable outcome each time it is executed.

Mrs. Patel uses a computer program to balance her checkbook. Which of the following best explains how the computer algorithm helps Mrs. Patel?

• It gives judgments about how Mrs. Patel spends her money.

• It makes Mrs. Patel modern.

• It reduces errors.

• It shows how to write checks.

Answer explanation

Using a computer program to balance her checkbook helps Mrs. Patel by automating the process and reducing the likelihood of errors in calculations. Unlike manual calculations which may be prone to mistakes, a computer algorithm can perform accurate calculations quickly and efficiently. This reduces the risk of errors in managing finances and ensures that Mrs. Patel's checkbook is balanced correctly. Therefore, the computer algorithm aids Mrs. Patel by enhancing the accuracy and reliability of her financial record-keeping process.

Which of the following is an object-oriented programming language?

• Ada

• COBOL

• Pascal

• Python

Answer explanation

Python is an object-oriented programming language. It supports object-oriented programming features such as classes, inheritance, polymorphism, and encapsulation. These features allow developers to organize and structure their code in a way that promotes modularity, reusability, and maintainability. While Ada, COBOL, and Pascal are also programming languages, they are not typically considered object-oriented languages.

Which task is most suitable for creating an algorithm?

• saving time writing a report

• explaining how to set up a mobile phone for use

• choosing photos to put on a website

• finding the best of three suggested routes to drive to a concert

Answer explanation

Creating an algorithm involves breaking down a task into a series of logical steps or instructions to solve a problem or accomplish a task. In the case of finding the best route to drive to a concert, there are specific criteria (such as distance, traffic conditions, and estimated travel time) that can be systematically evaluated to determine the optimal route. By creating an algorithm for this task, one can effectively compare the different routes based on predefined parameters and select the most suitable option. This demonstrates the applicability of algorithms in decision-making processes where multiple options need to be evaluated and a decision needs to be made based on objective criteria.

What is one purpose of an algorithm?

• to reduce error

• to show how to use a computer

• to eliminate step-by-step instructions

• to eliminate smaller tasks

Answer explanation

Algorithms provide structured step-by-step procedures or instructions for solving problems or accomplishing tasks. By following these systematic instructions, errors can be minimized or eliminated as the process is carried out consistently and accurately. Algorithms help in organizing complex tasks into manageable steps, reducing the likelihood of mistakes or inaccuracies in executing those tasks. Therefore, one of the primary purposes of an algorithm is to reduce errors and ensure the reliability of the process it describes.

What is one characteristic of a logic problem?

• a problem that can have three solutions

• a problem that can be solved in a methodical manner

• a problem that can have ill-defined steps

• a problem that can be solved using a chart

Answer explanation

Logic problems are characterized by their solvability through systematic and methodical reasoning. They often involve applying logical principles and deduction to arrive at a correct solution. Unlike problems with ill-defined steps or multiple ambiguous solutions, logic problems typically have clear parameters and well-defined rules, allowing for a structured approach to problem-solving. Therefore, the ability to solve a logic problem in a methodical manner distinguishes it as a characteristic of this type of problem.

Which set of steps would help track accounts payable at a business?

• Calculate payment amounts that are due, determine due dates for payments, identify if there is an early payment discount, and identify vendors to whom payments are due.

• Calculate payment amounts that are due, extend due dates for payments, determine if there is an early payment discount, and identify invoices that are paid in full.

• Calculate payment amounts that have been made, determine due dates for payments, identify if there is an early payment discount, and identify customers with payments due.

• Calculate payment amounts that have been made, extend due dates for payments, identify if there is an early payment discount, and calculate the tax owed by each customer.

Answer explanation

Tracking accounts payable involves monitoring the amounts owed to vendors or suppliers. The steps listed involve calculating the amounts due, determining when payments are required, checking for any discounts available for early payments, and identifying the specific vendors to whom payments are owed. This set of steps covers the essential aspects of managing accounts payable accurately and efficiently.

What happens in the process represented by the pseudocode below?

get(answer)
if(answer is yes)
then(multiply 4 and 9)
if(answer is no)
then(do nothing)

• The computer multiplies 4 and 9 if the answer is yes.

• The computer multiplies 4 and 9 if the answer is no.

• The computer always multiplies 4 and 9.

• The computer always does nothing.

Answer explanation

The pseudocode checks the value of the variable answer. If the value of answer is "yes", then the computer executes the action to multiply 4 and 9. If the value of answer is "no", then the computer does nothing. Therefore, the multiplication of 4 and 9 only occurs if the answer is "yes".

Which of the following is a unique feature of Object-oriented programming?

• They have syntax.

• They are web-based.

• They use objects that contain data and functions.

• They are interpreted by compilers into binary machine language.

Answer explanation

Object-oriented programming revolves around the concept of objects, which are instances of classes. These objects encapsulate both data (attributes or properties) and functions (methods or procedures) that operate on the data. This characteristic distinguishes OOP from other programming paradigms. While OOP languages do have syntax and can be web-based or compiled, the defining aspect of OOP is the use of objects to structure and manage code.