Question

Write a program that reads in two integers and determines and prints if the first is a multiple of the second. [Hint: Use the modulus operator.]

Short answer

Read two integers, apply the modulus operator to check if the first is a multiple of the second and print the result.

Step-by-step solution

Understand Modulus

The modulus operator (%) in many programming languages gives the remainder of the division of two numbers. If a number A is a multiple of another number B, then A % B should be equal to 0.

Input the Integers

Write the part of the program that will prompt the user to enter two integers. This can often be done using a function like 'input()' or 'scanf()', depending on the language.

Apply the Modulus Operator

After receiving the two integers, say 'firstInt' and 'secondInt', apply the modulus operator to determine if 'firstInt' is a multiple of 'secondInt' by checking if 'firstInt % secondInt == 0'.

Output the Result

Finally, write the part of the program that will output the result. If 'firstInt' is a multiple of 'secondInt', the program should print a message stating that it is a multiple, otherwise, it should print a message stating that it is not.

Key concepts

Programming Logic

In the realm of programming, the logic underpins the decision-making process within a computer program. It involves using specific statements and controls to drive the flow of execution to achieve desired outcomes. In the context of the provided exercise, programming logic is utilized to determine if one integer is a multiple of another. This involves executing a series of steps that include gathering input data, processing it with the modulus operator, and displaying the output.

For instance, to ascertain if the first integer is a multiple of the second, we employ a logical check: If the remainder of dividing the first integer by the second is zero, logic dictates that the first integer is indeed an even multiple of the second. This check forms the core of our decision-making process within the program. Employing programming logic efficiently can lead to effective and clear code, which ultimately eases understanding and troubleshooting.

Integer Division

At its core, integer division is the process where one integer is divided by another, yielding a quotient and potentially a remainder. Unlike standard division that can result in a fractional or decimal value, integer division truncates the result to an integer, discarding any fractional part. In our exercise, the modulus operator comes into play as a complement to integer division.

When we perform the operation 'firstInt % secondInt', we are essentially interested in the remainder of this division. If the result is zero, this indicates that 'firstInt' divides completely into 'secondInt' with no remainder, demonstrating that 'firstInt' is a multiple of 'secondInt'. Understanding integer division is crucial because it is a frequent operation in programming that affects control flow, algorithms, and the way data is processed within a program.

Control Structures

Control structures guide the execution flow of a program. They allow a program to make decisions, conduct repetitive operations, and branch in different directions based on certain conditions. The if-else statements constitute a fundamental control structure often used for decision-making.

In our exercise, an 'if' statement checks the condition 'firstInt % secondInt == 0'. If this condition evaluates to true, it implies that no remainder exists, signifying that the first integer is a multiple of the second, and the program executes a block of code to output this result. In contrast, an 'else' block can be used to handle the scenario where the condition evaluates to false, outputting a different result. Mastering control structures is essential for implementing complex logic and managing the program's flow effectively, ensuring the code performs planned tasks in various circumstances.