Computer Studies Paper 2, May/June 2015

Question 5

  1. Define algorithm.
  2. State three characteristics of algorithm.
  3. 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.