Checkpoint - Representing Algorithms with Pseudocode

What is the primary purpose of pseudocode?

• To design and communicate algorithms

• To replace programming languages

• To execute programs directly

• To compile code

Answer explanation

The primary purpose of pseudocode is to design and communicate algorithms clearly and effectively, allowing developers to outline their logic without the syntax of programming languages.

Which keyword is used to denote the start of an algorithm in pseudocode?

• INIT

• START

• OPEN

• BEGIN

Answer explanation

In pseudocode, the keyword 'BEGIN' is commonly used to denote the start of an algorithm. It clearly indicates where the algorithm's instructions begin, making 'BEGIN' the correct choice among the options provided.

In pseudocode, what does the keyword 'ENDIF' signify?

• The end of a loop

• The end of a selection structure

• The end of a program

• The end of a function

Answer explanation

The keyword 'ENDIF' indicates the conclusion of a selection structure, such as an 'IF' statement. It marks where the conditional logic ends, distinguishing it from loops or functions.

What is the role of indentation in pseudocode?

• To execute the code faster

• To identify control structures

• To make the code look neat

• To highlight errors

Answer explanation

Indentation in pseudocode is crucial for identifying control structures, such as loops and conditionals. It visually separates blocks of code, making it easier to understand the flow and hierarchy of the logic.

What does the pseudocode keyword 'WHILE' indicate?

• The start of a conditional statement

• The start of a loop

• The start of a function

• The start of a sequence

Answer explanation

The keyword 'WHILE' indicates the start of a loop in pseudocode. It allows a block of code to be executed repeatedly as long as a specified condition remains true, making it essential for iterative processes.

What does the pseudocode keyword 'REPEAT' signify?

• The start of a loop

• The start of a sequence

• The start of a function

• The start of a conditional statement

Answer explanation

The keyword 'REPEAT' indicates the start of a loop in pseudocode, allowing a block of code to be executed multiple times until a certain condition is met. This makes 'The start of a loop' the correct choice.

What is the purpose of the 'MOD' function in pseudocode?

• To add two numbers

• To perform integer division

• To find the remainder of a division

• To multiply two numbers

Answer explanation

The 'MOD' function is used to find the remainder of a division operation. For example, MOD(5, 2) returns 1, as 5 divided by 2 leaves a remainder of 1. This distinguishes it from addition, multiplication, or integer division.

In the pseudocode for finding a number in a list, what does 'found = True' indicate?

• The number was not found

• The search is still ongoing

• The list is empty

• The number was found

Answer explanation

'found = True' indicates that the search has successfully located the number in the list. Therefore, the correct choice is that the number was found.

What does the pseudocode keyword 'FOR' indicate?

• The start of a loop with a known number of iterations

• The start of a loop with an unknown number of iterations

• The start of a sequence

• The start of a function

Answer explanation

The 'FOR' keyword indicates a loop that will execute a specific number of times, making it suitable for scenarios where the number of iterations is known beforehand.

What does the pseudocode keyword 'ELSE' signify?

• The continuation of a loop

• An alternative block of code if the condition is False

• The start of a new function

• An alternative block of code if the condition is True

Answer explanation

The keyword 'ELSE' in pseudocode indicates an alternative block of code that executes when the preceding condition is False, providing a way to handle different outcomes in conditional statements.