Question 5
- Define algorithm.
- State three characteristics of algorithm.
- Write an algorithm for finding the average of six numbers when the sum of the numbers is given.
Observation
The expected answers were:
(a) An algorithm is a procedure consisting of a finite set of unambiguous rules (instructions) which specify a finite sequence of operations that provide the solution to a problem.
OR
It is a step-by-step procedure to solve a given problem.
(b) Three characteristics of an algorithm:
- Finite
- Effectiveness
- Unambiguous
(c) Algorithm for finding the average of six numbers:
1. Start
2. Get the sum of the Six numbers
3. Compute average: Average = Sum/6
4. Output the Average
5. Stop
The questions here tested Candidates’ knowledge of “Programming Languages” but unfortunately, most of the candidates did not respond to the question correctly.