Question

Write a function quality Points that inputs a student's average and returns 4 if a student's average is \(90-100,3\) if the average is \(80-89,2\) if the average is \(70-79,1\) if the average is \(60-69\) and 0 if the average is lower than 60 .

Short answer

The qualityPoints function evaluates a student's average and returns 4 for an average of 90-100, 3 for 80-89, 2 for 70-79, 1 for 60-69, and 0 for an average below 60.

Step-by-step solution

Define the qualityPoints function

Start by defining the function qualityPoints that takes a single argument, which is the student's average. This function will return an integer value based on the average.

Check for average 90-100

Within the function, use an if statement to check if the average is between 90 and 100 (inclusive). If it is, return 4.

Check for average 80-89

Use an elif (else if) statement to check if the average is between 80 and 89 (inclusive). If it is, return 3.

Check for average 70-79

Next, use another elif statement to check if the average is between 70 and 79 (inclusive). If it is, return 2.

Check for average 60-69

Use another elif statement to check if the average is between 60 and 69 (inclusive). If it is, return 1.

Check for average below 60

Finally, use an else statement for any other case which means that the average is below 60. In this case, return 0.

Key concepts

Programming Logic

When we discuss programming logic, we are referring to the sequence of instructions that dictates how a computer program behaves and makes decisions. Logic forms the foundation of every program you write, and understanding it is crucial to becoming an effective programmer.

In relation to our exercise on implementing a C++ function, programming logic dictates the flow of execution in determining quality points for a student's average score. For instance, it begins with the reception of input (the student's average) and processes it through a series of 'if' and 'else' conditional statements. These conditionals are used to compare the input against predefined thresholds (90-100, 80-89, and so on) and to produce the intended output based on the input's value.

Getting this logic right is essential. Using pseudocode or flowcharts ahead of actual coding can help visualize the logic. Refining programming logic can often lead to more efficient and readable code, which is especially important in complex programs beyond our straightforward example.

Control Structures

In the realm of computer programming, control structures are elements which dictate the flow of control through a program. These include loops and conditional statements, among others, which allow programs to be dynamic and responsive.

In our example function qualityPoints, control structures help direct the program to execute specific blocks of code depending on the student's average score. This ensures that, rather than running every single command sequentially, our program selectively runs only the relevant sections - a fundamental efficiency in coding.

In terms of exercise improvement advice, make sure that each conditional statement is appropriately structured and that no two conditions can be true at the same time. The use of 'else if' after an initial 'if' statement helps to ensure mutual exclusivity of conditions, leading to clear and predictable code execution paths.

Conditional Statements

The cornerstone of decision-making in code are conditional statements. These statements allow a program to react differently based on varying input or other conditions, essentially providing a way for your code to 'think' and make choices.

In the qualityPoints C++ function, conditional statements are used to assess the student's average and respond with the corresponding quality point. Starting with an 'if' statement checks the first condition (average between 90 and 100), and subsequent 'else if' statements check the remaining ranges down to the 'else' statement for averages below 60.

Understanding 'if-else if-else'

These conditionals are arranged in a descending order of precedence, where the first true condition will terminate the rest of the checks. This order is intentional and crucial in preventing overlapping conditions and ensuring the exclusive execution of only one block of code. Remember, once a true condition is found, none of the following conditions are even evaluated - efficiency in action.