Computational thinking - General review of the course

Which is the definition for Computational Thinking?

• A problem-solving thought process in which a problem is defined and structured, in order to arrive at an effective solution in a finite time with a specific sequence of steps

• The systematic way a computer operates by executing lines of code.

• The method for writing and running programs to accomplish specific tasks.

• The process of coding and programming in a particular computational language, such as Python.

Answer explanation

Computational thinking allows us to take a complex problem, understand what the problem is and develop possible solutions.

We can then present these solutions in a way that a computer, a human, or both, can understand

Match the computational thinking pillar with its definition:

• Algorithm design

• The pillar that fragments a complex problem into smaller, simpler problems.

• Decomposition

• The pillar where unimportant details are filtered or ignored, focusing on the key information or the ESSENCE of the problem.

• Abstraction

• The pillar that identifies similarities or trends within problems to simplify the approach and establish standard solutions.

• Pattern Recognition

• The pillar where a set of specific instructions are defined to solve a specific problem.

Which of the following is not one of the six characteristics of a good algorithm?

• General and Precise:

  The algorithm should be applicable to a broad set of problems while providing specific instructions to achieve the desired outcome.

• Sequential and Ordered:

  The steps of the algorithm must be organized one at a time in a specific order, ensuring that each step logically follows the previous one.

• Defined and Finite:

  An algorithm should have a clear starting point and a goal, with a limited number of steps that can be completed in a finite amount of time.

• Ambiguous and Flexible:

  The algorithm should allow for various interpretations and adjustments, adapting to different situations without strict guidelines

What is happening on this program?

• The code creates a turtle and draws one large circle with a radius of 100 units.

• The code creates a turtle that draws a series of circles with a decreasing radius, starting from 100 units and reducing the size by 10 units until the radius reaches cero.

• The code creates a turtle and defines a size function that draws a circle with a radius of 100 units, then the program uses a loop to draw 10 different circles.

• The code creates a turtle and defines a size function that draws a circle with a radius of 100 units.

Answer explanation

The variable size starts in 100.

WHILE the variable size is more than cero, Turtle will draw a circle and decrease the size by 10 units.

Match the columns:

• DATA

• Processed and organized data with a meaning. It is useful for decision-making.

• INFORMATION

• A “package” that contains data.  A named memory location whose content can change throughout the program's execution.

• VARIABLE

• Raw unprocessed facts and figures that are collected for future analysis or reference.

Which of the following best describes the difference between a FOR loop and a WHILE loop in programming?

• A WHILE loop requires an index or counter variable, but a FOR loop does not.

• A for LOOP is used when the number of needed iterations is known. A WHILE loop is used when the number of iterations is unknown or depends on a certain condition.

• Both FOR and WHILE loops are used only when the exact number of iterations is known in advance.

• A FOR loop runs until a condition is false, a WHILE loop runs a set number of times.

What will be the result of this program?

• Two equal squares will be drawn, one on top of the other.

• Two rectangles of different sizes will be drawn on the same place.

• One square will be drawn.

• Nothing will be drawn.

Answer explanation

A function named Shape1 is defined to draw a square with sides measuring 150 units.

The function is called to draw a square at the origin and then then turtle is moved without drawing to a new location to draw a new square.

 Match the concept to its definition

• Relational Operation

• Performs a mathematical calculation involving numbers, using basic operators such as addition (+), subtraction (−), multiplication (×), division (÷).

• Logical operation

• Allows the computer to make decisions based on a Boolean condition. Depending on whether a condition is TRUE or FALSE, one or another set of instructions is executed (IF, ELSE, ELIF cases).

• Arithmetic operation

• Compares two values and returns a Boolean result (TRUE or FALSE). == , !=, >, < , >=, <=.

• Decision structure

• Combines two or more Boolean conditions and returns a single Boolean value. It is useful for avoiding nested conditions. AND, OR and NOT.

Match the labels in their correct place

a

b

c

d

e

f

g

h

End of the program

Variable update

A loop

Variable declaration

Boolean condition

User input

Data conversion

Printing a variable

To rent a car, you must NOT have any unpaid fines, AND you must have a valid driver’s license.

Following this code, will I be able to rent a car?

• YES

• NO

Answer explanation

Boolean condition:

To rent a car, you must NOT have any unpaid fines, AND you must have a valid driver’s license.

Scenario:
Driver_licence = True

Means I have a valid driver’s license

Unpaid_fine= TRUE

Means I have an unpaid fine.

Question:
Will I be able to rent the car?

Answer:

No, because I have unpaid fines