5.1 An algorithm is a step by step breakdown to solving a problem - NSC Information Technology - Question 5 - 2021 - Paper 2

Algorithms should not be language specific because they are conceptual frameworks designed to outline a solution, independent of any programming language syntax. This universality allows algorithms to be implemented in any language, depending on programmer preference or requirements.

To enhance the readability of the code, you can:

• Indent the code consistently to reflect the structure and flow.
• Add comments that explain the purpose of the variables and procedures.
• Use spacing to separate logical sections, making it visually easier to follow.

This represents a logical error. This type of error occurs when the program runs without crashing but produces incorrect results due to flaws in the logic.

Two reasons why the sum is displayed as 0:

1. Scope Issue: The variable iSum in displayAnswer is a local variable and does not reference the iSum calculated in btnCalculateClick, leading to the default initialized value of 0 being displayed.
2. Variable Life Cycle: The iSum is reset or not retained between procedure calls, resulting in an output of 0 rather than the calculated sum.

The Delphi code to generate a random number in the specified range can be written as:

  iRandom := random(31) + 10;

The correct IF statement to determine if the randomly generated number is odd is:

if (iRandom MOD 2 <> 0) then

The statement inc(iCountOdd) should be added at line 11, right after displaying the message.

The correct replacement with a Repeat..Until statement is:

Repeat
  // logic here
Until iCountOdd = 15;

The most suitable data type for variable X, which represents the result of Floor(80/12*2), is Integer. This is because the result will be a whole number.

The most suitable data type for variable Y, calculated as Sqr(Sqrt(Number)), is Real/Double. This is appropriate as the square root function can return decimal values.

An accessor method retrieves the value of a property or field from a class but does not alter it. On the other hand, a mutator method changes the value of a property, allowing modifications.

In the UML diagram, the positive sign (+) represents public visibility, meaning that the attribute or method can be accessed from outside the class. The negative sign (-) signifies private visibility, meaning that the attribute or method is not accessible from outside the class.

Instance fields should be declared with the negative sign (-) to encapsulate data and preserve integrity. This prevents unauthorized access and modification from external classes, thus maintaining the internal state of the class consistent and secure.

One procedure identified in the UML diagram is setContactNumber(ContactNumber:String);. This is a mutator method that allows setting of the Contact Number for the TStaff class.

To complete the Fibonacci algorithm:

else if iNumTerms > 2 then
 begin
  for v from 1 to iNumTerms - 2 do
  begin
   item3 <- item1 + item2;
   sLine <- sLine + item3 + ' ';
   item1 <- item2;
   item2 <- item3;
  end;
 end;
Display sLine;