HANDOUT

FOR
CHAPTER 9

PROBLEM SOLVING
AND
DESIGN

Past questions
© UCLES 2015 -2020

COMPUTER SCIENCE CAMBRIDGE IGCSE 0478 JUNE SERIES Tr. Fatimah

Page | 1
 1 The flowchart below inputs the weight of a number of parcels in kilograms. Parcels weighing
more than 25 kilograms are rejected. A value of –1 stops the input.

The following information is output: the total weight of the parcels accepted and number of
parcels rejected.

START

Total ← 0
Reject ← 0

INPUT
Weight

Is Weight Yes OUTPUT Total,

= –1? Reject

No END

Is Weight Yes Reject ← Reject + 1

> 25?

No

Total ← Total + Weight

Page | 2
Complete the trace table for the input data:

1.8, 26.0, 7.0, 11.3, 10.0, 2.5, 25.2, 5.0, 19.8, 29.3, –1

Total Reject Weight OUTPUT

[5]

Page | 3
2 Read this section of program code that should input 10 positive numbers and then output the
smallest number input.

1 Small = 0

2 Counter = 0

3 REPEAT

4 INPUT Num

5 IF Num < Small THEN Num = Small

6 Counter = Counter + 1

7 PRINT Small

8 UNTIL Counter < 10

There are four errors in this code.

Locate these errors and suggest a corrected piece of code for each error.

1 .......................................................................................................................................................

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2 .......................................................................................................................................................

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3 .......................................................................................................................................................

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4 .......................................................................................................................................................

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Page | 4
3 (a) The flowchart below inputs six single digit numbers. The predefined function MOD gives the
value of the remainder, for example, Y ← 10 MOD 3 gives the value Y = 1

START

INPUT
A,B,C,D,E,F

Total  A*1 + B*2 + C*3 + D*4 + E*5

Check  Total MOD 11

Is Check =
Yes
OUTPUT
F? 'Accept'

No

OUTPUT
'Reject'

END

Page | 5
Complete a trace table for each of the two sets of input data.

Set 1 5,2,4,3,1,5

Set 2 3,2,1,0,7,3

Trace table set 1 5,2,4,3,1,5

A B C D E F Total Check Output

Trace table set 2 3,2,1,0,7,3

A B C D E F Total Check Output

[4]

(b) State the purpose of the flowchart in part (a).

...................................................................................................................................................

...............................................................................................................................................[1]

(c) Identify a problem with this flowchart and explain how to correct it.

Problem ....................................................................................................................................

...................................................................................................................................................

Solution .....................................................................................................................................

...................................................................................................................................................

...................................................................................................................................................

...............................................................................................................................................[3]

Page | 6
4 Read this section of program code that should input 30 positive numbers and then output the
largest number input.

1 Large = 9999

2 Counter = 0

3 WHILE Counter > 30

4 DO

5 INPUT Num

6 IF Num < Large THEN Large = Num

7 Counter = Counter - 1

8 ENDWHILE

9 PRINT Large

There are four errors in this code.

Locate these errors and suggest a corrected piece of code for each error.

1 .......................................................................................................................................................

..........................................................................................................................................................

2 .......................................................................................................................................................

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3 .......................................................................................................................................................

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4 .......................................................................................................................................................

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Page | 7
5 The flowchart below inputs the height of children who want to ride on a rollercoaster. Children
under 1.2 metres are rejected. The ride starts when eight children have been accepted.

Page | 8
 Complete the trace table for the input data:

1.4, 1.3, 1.1, 1.3, 1.0, 1.5, 1.2, 1.3, 1.4, 1.3, 0.9, 1.5, 1.6, 1.0

Riders Reject Height OUTPUT

[4]

Page | 9
6 The flowchart below calculates the number of tins of paint required to paint walls. The flowchart
inputs the height and width of a wall in metres, the number of doors and the number of windows.
A value of –1 for the height stops the input.

START

Area 0
Tins 0

INPUT Height,
Width, Doors,
Windows

Is Yes
Height Tins INT(Area/10 + 0.5)
= –1?

No

OUTPUT Tins
Area Area + Height * Width
– Doors * 1.5 – Windows

END

Complete the trace table for the input data:

3, 5, 1, 0, 3, 7, 0, 0, 3, 5, 0, 3, 3, 7, 1, 1, –1, 0, 0, 0

Area Tins Height Width Doors Windows

[4]

Page | 10
7 Read this section of program code that inputs 10 positive numbers and then outputs the total.

1 Total = 0
2 Counter = 0
3 REPEAT
4 INPUT Num
5 Total = Total + Num
6 PRINT Total
7 Counter = Counter + 1
8 UNTIL Counter = 10

This code works, but it is inefficient.

Suggest three improvements that could be made.

1.................................................................................................................................................

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2.................................................................................................................................................

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3.................................................................................................................................................

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(ii) Rewrite the program code with your improvements.

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Page | 11
8 A satellite navigation system works using destination details entered by the user, either a new
destination or chosen from previously saved destinations. The satellite navigation system will
then output directions to the destination in the form of either a visual map or a list of directions.
A satellite navigation system is an example of a computer system that is made up of sub-
systems. This structure diagram shows some of its sub-systems.
Complete the diagram by filling in the empty boxes.

Satellite navigation system

Input destination

Map List

[2]

9 For each of the four statements in the table, place a tick in the correct column to show whether it
is an example of validation or verification.

Statements Validation Verification

To automatically check the accuracy of a bar code
To check if the data input is sensible
To check if the data input matches the data that has
been supplied
To automatically check that all required data fields have
been completed

[4]

Page | 12
10 This flowchart inputs a range of temperatures in degrees Fahrenheit.

As each temperature is input, it is compared with the previous highest temperature. If it is higher
than the current highest, it replaces the previous highest temperature and then it is converted to
degrees Celsius.
For ease of calculation, the final step of the Fahrenheit to Celsius conversion has been
approximated as division by 2.
When –1 is entered, the input process stops and the highest temperature (in both Fahrenheit and
Celsius) is output.

START

HighF -100
HighC -100

INPUT TempF

Is TempF No Is TempF No
= -1? > HighF?
Yes Yes

HighF TempF

HighC (TempF-32)/2

OUTPUT 'The highest temperature is, ', HighF, ' Fahrenheit,

', HighC, ' Celsius.'

END

Page | 13
Complete the trace table for the input data:

68, 46, 50, 86, 65, 50, 40, 30, –1

HighF HighC TempF OUTPUT

[5]

Page | 14
11 This section of program code asks for 50 numbers to be entered. The total and average of the
numbers are calculated.
1 Total = 0
2 Counter = 50
3 PRINT ′When prompted, enter 50 numbers, one at a time′
4 REPEAT
5 PRINT ′Enter a number′
6 INPUT Number
7 Total + Number = Total
8 Number = Number + 1
9 UNTIL Counter = 50
10 Average = Number * Counter
11 PRINT ′The average of the numbers you entered is ′, Average

There are four errors in this code.

State the line number for each error and write the correct code for that line.

Error 1 Line number .............................

Correct code .....................................................................................................................................

Error 2 Line number .............................

Correct code .....................................................................................................................................

Error 3 Line number .............................

Correct code .....................................................................................................................................

Error 4 Line number .............................

Correct code .....................................................................................................................................

[4]

Page | 15
12 This flowchart inputs the weight of items in kilograms to be loaded on a trailer. Any item over 25
kilograms is rejected. The trailer can take up to 100 kilograms.

START

TotalWeight 0
Reject 0

INPUT Weight

Is Weight Yes

˃ 25? Reject Reject + 1

No

TotalWeight TotalWeight + Weight

No Is
TotalWeight
˃ 100?
Yes

TotalWeight TotalWeight – Weight

OUTPUT 'Weight of items '’

TotalWeight, ' Number of
items rejected ',Reject

END

Page | 16
 Complete the trace table for the input data:

13, 17, 26, 25, 5, 10, 15, 35, 20, 15

Weight Reject TotalWeight OUTPUT

[5]

Page | 17
13 A programmer has written a routine to check that prices are below $10.00. These values are
used as test data.
10.00 9.99 ten

Explain why each value was chosen.

10.00 ................................................................................................................................................

..........................................................................................................................................................

..........................................................................................................................................................

9.99 ..................................................................................................................................................

..........................................................................................................................................................

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ten ....................................................................................................................................................

..........................................................................................................................................................

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[3]

Page | 18
14 The global trade item number (GTIN-8) barcode has seven digits and a check digit.
This pseudocode algorithm inputs seven digits and calculates the eighth digit, then outputs the
GTIN-8.
DIV(X,Y), finds the number of divides in division for example DIV(23,10) is
2. MOD(X,Y), finds the remainder in division for example MOD(23,10) is 3.
FOR Count 1 TO 7
INPUT Number
Digit(Count) Number
NEXT
Sum (Digit(1)+Digit(3)+Digit(5)+Digit(7))*3+Digit(2)+Digit(4)+Digit(6) IF
MOD(Sum,10) <> 0
THEN Digit(8) DIV(Sum,10)*10 + 10 - Sum
ELSE Digit(8) 0
ENDIF
OUTPUT "GTIN-8"
FOR Count 1 TO 8
OUTPUT Digit(Count)
NEXT

(a) Complete the trace table for the input data: 5, 7, 0, 1, 2, 3, 4

Digit(1) Digit(2) Digit(3) Digit(4) Digit(5) Digit(6) Digit(7) Digit(8) Sum OUTPUT

Complete the trace table for the input data: 4, 3, 1, 0, 2, 3, 1

Digit(1) Digit(2) Digit(3) Digit(4) Digit(5) Digit(6) Digit(7) Digit(8) Sum OUTPUT

[5]

Page | 19
15 A program checks that the weight of a basket of fruit is over 1.00 kilograms and under 1.10
kilograms. Weights are recorded to an accuracy of two decimal places and any weight not in this
form has already been rejected.
Give three weights as test data and for each weight state a reason for choosing it. All your
reasons must be different.
Weight 1 ............................................................................................................................................

Reason..............................................................................................................................................

..........................................................................................................................................................

Weight 2 ............................................................................................................................................

Reason..............................................................................................................................................

..........................................................................................................................................................

Weight 3 ............................................................................................................................................

Reason..............................................................................................................................................

..........................................................................................................................................................
[3]

Page | 20
16 A programmer has written a routine to store the name, email address and password of a
contributor to a website’s discussion group.
The programmer has chosen to verify the name, email address and password.

Explain why verification was chosen and describe how the programmer would verify this data.

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(b) The programmer has also decided to validate the email address and the password.

Describe validation checks that could be used.

Email address ............................................................................................................................

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Password ..................................................................................................................................

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[2]

Page | 21
17 This pseudocode algorithm inputs two non-zero numbers and a sign, and then performs the
calculation shown by the sign. An input of zero for the first number terminates the process.
INPUT Number1, Number2, Sign
WHILE Number1 <> 0
IF Sign = '+' THEN Answer Number1 + Number2 ENDIF
IF Sign = '-' THEN Answer Number1 - Number2 ENDIF
IF Sign = '*' THEN Answer Number1 * Number2 ENDIF
IF Sign = '/' THEN Answer Number1 / Number2 ENDIF
IF Sign <> '/' AND Sign <> '*' AND Sign <> '-' AND Sign <> '+'
THEN Answer 0
ENDIF
IF Answer <> 0 THEN OUTPUT Answer ENDIF
INPUT Number1, Number2, Sign
ENDWHILE
(a) Complete the trace table for the input

*
data: 5,7,+,6,2,–,4,3, ,7,8,?,0,0,/

Number1 Number2 Sign Answer OUTPUT

[3]

Page | 22
18 Describe, using an example, the purpose of the following checks during data entry.

Validation check

...................................................................................................................................................

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...............................................................................................................................................[2]

(b) Verification check

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...............................................................................................................................................[2]

19 An algorithm is written in pseudocode:

INPUT Number
IF Number > 100
THEN OUTPUT ″The number is too large″
ELSE OUTPUT ″The number is acceptable″
ENDIF

(a) Describe the purpose of the algorithm.

...................................................................................................................................................

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...............................................................................................................................................[2]

Page | 23
20 The flowchart allows a set of 10 numbers to be entered; it finds and outputs the largest of these
numbers.

START

Max –1000.00
Counter 0

INPUT Num

Yes Is Num >

Max ?

No
Max Num

Counter Counter + 1

Is Counter Yes
< 10?

No

OUTPUT Max

END

Page | 24
 (a) Complete the trace table for the input data:

6.30, 18.62, 50.01, 3.13, 2.05, 50.10, 40.35, 30.69, 0.85, 17.30

Max Counter Num OUTPUT

[3]

Page | 25
21 This section of program code may be used as a validation check.

1 PRINT "Input a value between 0 and 100 inclusive"

2 INPUT Value
3 WHILE Value < 0 OR Value > 100
4PRINT "Invalid value, try again"
5INPUT Value
6 ENDWHILE
7 PRINT "Accepted: ", Value

Give a name for this type of validation check.

............................................................................................................................................. [1]

(b) Describe what is happening in this validation check.

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(c) Complete the trace table for this program code using the test data: 200, 300, –1, 50, 60

Value OUTPUT

[3]

Page | 26
22 Explain what is meant by validation and verification.
Give an example for each one.
Validation ..........................................................................................................................................

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Example ...........................................................................................................................................

..........................................................................................................................................................

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Verification ........................................................................................................................................

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..........................................................................................................................................................

..........................................................................................................................................................

Example ...........................................................................................................................................

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[6]

Page | 27
 23 This flowchart inputs the marks gained in an examination. An input of –1 ends the routine.

START

Total 0
Count 0
Distinction 0

INPUT Mark

Yes
Total Total + Mark Is Mark = –1 ?
Count Count + 1
No

No Is OUTPUT "Number of
Mark >= Distinctions ", Distinction
80 ? OUTPUT "Average Mark "
Total/Count
Yes

END
Distinction Distinction + 1

Complete the trace table for the mark input data: 50, 70, 65, 30, 95, 50, 55, 85, 65, 35, –1, 45

Total Count Distinction Mark OUTPUT

[4]

Page | 28
24 (a) An algorithm has been written in pseudocode to input 100 numbers, select and print the
largest number and smallest number.
Count 1
INPUT Number
High Number
Low Count
REPEAT
INPUT Number
IF Number > High
THEN
High Number
ENDIF
IF Number > Low
THEN
Low Number
ENDIF
Count Count + 1
UNTIL Count = 99
PRINT "Largest Number is ", Number
PRINT "Smallest Number is ", Low

Find the four errors in the pseudocode and suggest a correction for each error.

Error 1........................................................................................................................................

Correction .................................................................................................................................

...................................................................................................................................................

Error 2........................................................................................................................................

Correction .................................................................................................................................

...................................................................................................................................................

Error 3........................................................................................................................................

Correction .................................................................................................................................

...................................................................................................................................................

Error 4........................................................................................................................................

Correction .................................................................................................................................

...................................................................................................................................................
[4]
25 For each of the four checks in the table, place a tick in the correct column to show whether it is
an example of a validation or verification check.

Statements Validation Verification

Range check
Double entry
Check digit
Presence check
[4]
Page | 29
26 This flowchart inputs the tread depth of five tyres, four on the car and a spare tyre. Any tread
depth of 1.6 mm or less is rejected. To be potentially roadworthy, a car must have four tyres with
a tread depth greater than 1.6 mm.

START

TreadReject 0
Count 1

Is Yes
Count = 6?

Count Count + 1 No
Is
INPUT Depth TreadReject No
<= 1?

Yes OUTPUT "Car is

not roadworthy"

No Is
Depth <=
1.6?

Yes

TreadReject TreadReject + 1

OUTPUT "Car is
potentially
roadworthy"

END

Page | 30
 Complete Trace table 1 for the tread depth input data:
1.7, 1.9, 1.4, 1.8, 2.0

TreadReject Count Depth OUTPUT

Trace table 1

Complete Trace table 2 for the tread depth input data:

1.2, 1.9, 1.4, 1.8, 2.4

TreadReject Count Depth OUTPUT

Trace table 2
[4]

Page | 31
27 (a) An algorithm has been written in pseudocode to input the weight of 500 items and reject any
that are over-weight or under-weight, then print the percentage rejected.
Count 1
Reject 0
Over 62
Under 58
REPEAT
INPUT ItemWeight
IF ItemWeight > Over AND ItemWeight < Under
THEN
Reject Reject - 1
ENDIF
Count Count + 1
UNTIL Count > = 500
Reject Reject / 100
PRINT "Percentage rejected is ", Reject

Find the four errors in the pseudocode and suggest a correction for each error.

Error 1 .......................................................................................................................................

...................................................................................................................................................

Correction .................................................................................................................................

...................................................................................................................................................

Error 2 .......................................................................................................................................

...................................................................................................................................................

Correction .................................................................................................................................

...................................................................................................................................................

Error 3 .......................................................................................................................................

...................................................................................................................................................

Correction .................................................................................................................................

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Error 4 .......................................................................................................................................

...................................................................................................................................................

Correction .................................................................................................................................

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[4]

Page | 32
28 Tick (✓) one box in each row to identify if the statement about structure diagrams is true or false.

True False
Statement
(✓) (✓)
A structure diagram is a piece of code that is available throughout the
structure of a program.
A structure diagram shows the hierarchy of a system.

A structure diagram is another name for an array.

A structure diagram shows the relationship between different

components of a system.
[2]

29 Programs can perform validation and verification checks when data is entered.

Give the names of two different validation checks and state the purpose of each one. Check

1 .....................................................................................................................................

Purpose .....................................................................................................................................

...................................................................................................................................................

...................................................................................................................................................

Check 2 .....................................................................................................................................

Purpose .....................................................................................................................................

...................................................................................................................................................

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[4]

(b) Give the name of one verification check.

............................................................................................................................................. [1]

(c) Describe the difference between validation and verification.

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............................................................................................................................................. [2]

Page | 33
30 The flowchart represents an algorithm.
The predefined function DIV gives the value of the result of integer division,
for example, y  9 DIV 4 gives y a value of 2

An input value of –1 ends the algorithm.

START

INPUT
Value

IS Yes
Value =
-1 ?

No

Calc1 Value DIV 2

Calc2 Value DIV 3

IS
No Calc1 =
Value / 2 ?

Yes
IS
No Calc2 =
Value / 3 ?

Yes

OUTPUT
Value
END

Page | 34
 (a) Complete the trace table for the input

data: 50, 33, 18, 15, 30, –1, 45, 12, 90, 6

Value Calc1 Calc2 OUTPUT

[4]

(b) Describe the purpose of the algorithm.

...................................................................................................................................................

...................................................................................................................................................

............................................................................................................................................. [2]

Page | 35
31 This flowchart inputs the points won and the points lost when playing a game. The difference
between the points won and lost is calculated and depending on the result the player can: move
up to the next level, stay at the same level, or move down to the previous level. The flowchart
finishes when the input for points won is –1.

START

INPUT
PointsWon, PointsLost

IS
PointsWon = –1 ? Yes END

No

Difference
PointsWon - PointsLost

OUTPUT Yes IS
"Well done Difference > =
move up" 1000 ?

No

OUTPUT Yes IS
"Sorry move Difference < 0 ?
down"
No

OUTPUT
"Keep on trying"

Page | 36
 (a) Complete a trace table for this set of input data:
5000, 4474, 6055, 2000, 7900, 9800, 3000, 2150, –1, 6700, 7615

PointsWon PointsLost Difference OUTPUT

[3]

Page | 37
32 (a) An algorithm has been written in pseudocode to input the names and marks of 35 students.
The algorithm stores the names and marks in two arrays Name[ ] and Mark[ ]. The
highest mark awarded is found and the number of students with that mark is counted. Both
of these values are output.
1 HighestMark ← 100 ←
2 HighestMarkStudents←0
3 FOR Count1 TO 35
4 OUTPUT "Please enter student name"
5 INPUT Name[Count]
6 OUTPUT "Please enter student mark"
7 INPUT Mark[Counter]
8 IF Mark[Count] = HighestMark
09
10
THEN
HighestMarkStudents HighestMarkStudents – 1 ←
11 ENDIF
12 IF Mark[Count] > HighestMark
13
14
THEN
Mark[Count] HighestMark ←
15 HighestMarkStudents ← 1
16 ENDIF
17 NEXT Count
18 OUTPUT "There are ", HighestMarkStudents," with the highest mark of ",
HighestMark
Give line numbers where the four errors are to be found in the pseudocode. Suggest a
correction for each error.

Error 1 line number ...................................................................................................................

Correction .................................................................................................................................

...................................................................................................................................................

Error 2 line number ...................................................................................................................

Correction .................................................................................................................................

...................................................................................................................................................

Error 3 line number ...................................................................................................................

Correction .................................................................................................................................

...................................................................................................................................................

Error 4 line number ...................................................................................................................

Correction .................................................................................................................................

...................................................................................................................................................
[4]

Page | 38
33 A code must take the form LL9 9LL where L is a letter and 9 is a digit.

A presence check has already been used to ensure data has been entered. Name two other
types of validation check that can be used to test the code is valid.

Check 1 .....................................................................................................................................

Check 2 .....................................................................................................................................
[2]

(b) Give one example of invalid test data for each of the validation checks you have named in
part (a) and in each case, give a reason why it fails the check. Each example of test data
must be different.

Check 1 Invalid Test Data .........................................................................................................

...................................................................................................................................................

Reason .....................................................................................................................................

...................................................................................................................................................

...................................................................................................................................................

...................................................................................................................................................

Check 2 Invalid Test Data .........................................................................................................

...................................................................................................................................................

Reason .....................................................................................................................................

...................................................................................................................................................

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[4]

Page | 39
34 This algorithm finds prime numbers.

The pre-defined function DIV gives the value of the result of integer division,
for example, y 9 DIV 4 gives y a value of 2
Flag False
INPUT Number
WHILE Number <> 0
Divisor 2
WHILE Divisor <= Number / 2
Value Number DIV Divisor
IF Number / Divisor = Value
THEN
Flag True
ENDIF
Divisor Divisor + 1
ENDWHILE
IF Flag = False
THEN
OUTPUT Number, " is prime"
ENDIF
INPUT Number
Flag False
ENDWHILE

Complete the trace table for the algorithm using the input data:

5, 6, 8, 0, 11, 13

Flag Number Divisor Value OUTPUT

[5]

Page | 40
35 This section of pseudocode is to be used as a validation check that will continue until a number
between 0 and 499 inclusive is entered.

1 PRINT "Input a number from 0 to 499 inclusive"

2 FOR Number 1 TO 10
3 INPUT Number
4 IF Number < 0 AND Number > 499
5 THEN
6 PRINT "Invalid number, please try again"
7 ENDIF
8 UNTIL Number = 0 OR Number = 499
9 PRINT Number, " is within the correct range"

There are three lines in this pseudocode that contain errors. In each case, state the line number
to identify the incorrect line and write out the corrected line in full.

Error 1 line number ..........................................................................................................................

Correction .........................................................................................................................................

..........................................................................................................................................................

Error 2 line number ..........................................................................................................................

Correction .........................................................................................................................................

..........................................................................................................................................................

Error 3 line number ..........................................................................................................................

Correction .........................................................................................................................................

..........................................................................................................................................................
[6]

Page | 41