Question

(Multiples) Write a function multiple that determines for a pair of integers whether the second is a multiple of the first. The function should take two integer arguments and return true if the second is a multiple of the first, false otherwise. Use this function in a program that inputs a series of pairs of integers.

Short answer

The 'multiple' function checks if the second integer is a multiple of the first using the modulo operator. Use this function in a loop to determine this for input pairs.

Step-by-step solution

Define the Function

Define a function named 'multiple' that takes two integer arguments. The function will check if the second integer is a multiple of the first by using the modulo operator. If the remainder of the division of the second integer by the first is zero, then the second is a multiple of the first.

Return True or False

Within the function, return True if the second integer is a multiple of the first (i.e., if the first integer divides the second without a remainder), otherwise return False.

Input Pairs of Integers

Write a loop that continuously asks the user to input pairs of integers. For each pair, call the 'multiple' function and display the result.

Ending the Program

Decide when to end the input loop. For example, you might do so when the user enters a specific pair of numbers, like (0, 0), or by asking the user if they want to continue after each iteration.

Key concepts

Modular Arithmetic in Programming

Modular arithmetic is a system of arithmetic for integers, where numbers 'wrap around' upon reaching a certain value—the modulus. In programming, modular arithmetic is frequently employed to determine whether a number is divisible by another, which is precisely what we do when checking for multiples.

For example, consider the modulo operator denoted by the '%' symbol in C++. If you were to write x % y, it would return the remainder of dividing x by y. A remainder of zero indicates that x is a multiple of y. This concept is essential to the solution of our exercise, where we need to determine if one number is a multiple of another.

Using modular arithmetic in programming allows us to write concise and efficient code. When defining the 'multiple' function, the modulo operation provides us with a simple one-line check that completely bypasses the need for more complex arithmetic or loops. This form of arithmetic is not only useful for checking multiples but is also crucial in fields like cryptography, computer graphics, and algorithm development.

Boolean Functions in C++

Boolean functions are a critical concept in C++ or any other programming language as they allow us to make decisions within our code. A boolean function is one that returns a boolean value—either true or false. These functions are the cornerstone of conditional statements that direct the flow of execution within programs.

In the context of our exercise, the 'multiple' function is a boolean function. It fulfills a simple but important role: checking a condition (is the second integer a multiple of the first?) and then returning true or false based on the outcome. The elegance of boolean functions lies in their simplicity and readability, as they clearly convey the intention of the condition being tested.

Effective Use of Boolean Functions

Well-designed boolean functions can greatly improve the clarity of your code. For instance, naming the function 'isMultiple' instead of just 'multiple' could clarify that the function is a predicate, a common naming convention for functions returning boolean values to pose a true/false question about the state.

Looping Structures in C++

Looping structures are fundamental to programming in C++, providing the means to repeat a block of code multiple times. These structures include for, while, and do-while loops, each with its own use-case. Loops are particularly important when you need to process a sequence of elements, such as an array, or when awaiting a condition to be satisfied before terminating the loop, typically seen in user input scenarios.

Within our exercise, a looping structure is utilized to continually prompt for user input. This allows our program to process multiple pairs of integers without restarting the program. We might implement this using a while loop that runs until the user indicates they are done, possibly by entering a designated 'end' pair like (0, 0) or by responding negatively to a prompt.

Loop Termination

Planning the exit condition of a loop is as important as the loop operation itself. Mismanaged loop conditions can lead to 'infinite loops', where the loop runs indefinitely. While constructing loops, especially with user input, guarding against invalid input that could cause an endless loop is an integral part of robust program design.