Question

Write an algorithm that uses a loop (1) to input 10 pairs of numbers, where each pair represents the score of a football game with the Computer State University (CSU) score listed first, and (2) for each pair of numbers, to determine whether CSU won or lost. After reading in these 10 pairs of values, print the won/lost/tie record of CSU. In addition, if this record is a perfect \(10-0\), then print the message 'Congratulations on your undefeated season'.

Short answer

Initialize win/loss/tie counters, loop through score pairs, compare scores, print results, check for undefeated season.

Step-by-step solution

Initialize Variables

First, declare and initialize variables to keep track of the game results. Create variables for wins, losses, and ties, setting each to zero. These variables will store the CSU game outcomes.

Loop Through 10 Pairs of Scores

Use a loop that runs 10 times. In each iteration, input a pair of numbers: the first number represents the CSU score, and the second number represents the opponent's score.

Compare Scores

Within the loop, compare the CSU score to the opponent's score. If the CSU score is greater than the opponent's score, increment the wins counter. If it is less, increment the losses counter. If the scores are equal, increment the ties counter.

Print the Results

After the loop has finished, print the results using the win, loss, and tie counters. These will represent CSU's record for the season.

Check for Undefeated Season

Check if the wins counter equals 10 and the losses and ties are zero. If this is true, print 'Congratulations on your undefeated season'. Otherwise, no additional message is needed.

Key concepts

Loop Structures

In programming, the concept of loops is fundamental, allowing us to perform repetitive tasks efficiently. A loop structure is used to execute a block of code multiple times, reducing redundancy. In our exercise, we implement a for-loop that iterates 10 times, corresponding to the 10 pairs of football scores. Each iteration allows us to input a new score and process it accordingly.

Types of loops include:

• For-loops: Best when the number of iterations is known beforehand.
• While-loops: Utilized when the number of iterations isn’t determined in advance.
• Do-while loops: Similar to while-loops but guarantees at least one execution.

In this specific case, using a for-loop is ideal, as we are explicitly told to process 10 pairs of scores. Each loop cycle ensures that we input scores, compare them, and update results accordingly.

Conditional Statements

Conditional statements are crucial in decision-making processes within an algorithm. They allow the code to make decisions based on different conditions. In our algorithm, we use conditional statements to evaluate the outcome of each football game based on the scores.

Common types of conditional statements include:

• If-else statements: Execute specific code blocks based on the condition being true or false.
• Switch-case statements: Suitable for decisions based on discreet values.

In our exercise, the use of if-else statements is appropriate. We check:

• If the CSU score is greater than the opponent's, we register a win.
• Else if the CSU score is less, we record a loss.
• Else (if scores are equal, implicitly), we count a tie.

This straightforward comparison ensures the correct outcome is recorded for each game.

Score Comparison

Score comparison is a core feature of the algorithm, helping determine the game's outcome. For each pair of scores, we need to compare the CSU score against the opponent’s score.

Steps involved in score comparison:

• Input the pair of scores.
• Use conditional logic to compare the scores.
• Update win, loss, or tie counts based on the result of the comparison.

Score comparison is efficient due to its direct nature—checking three outcomes: greater than, less than, and equal to. This allows us to classify the game's results seamlessly, and store them for later analysis when constructing the record message.

Variable Initialization

Variable initialization is the procedure of setting a variable to a well-defined value when it is created. This is critical in algorithms as it ensures data consistency from the start. In our football score algorithm, we initiate three variables: wins, losses, and ties.

Initial values are crucial:

• Wins, Losses, Ties: Each is initially set to zero, reflecting that no games have been processed yet.
• As the algorithm progresses, these variables are incremented according to the scores inputted in each iteration.

Beginning with a clear and consistent state prevents incorrect data processing. Without correctly initialized variables, the counts could inaccurately reflect previous or random data, leading to false results.