Question

The variable a starts with the value 1 The variable b starts with the value 10 . The variable c starts with the value 100 . The variable \(x\) starts with the value 0 . Store the value of \(c\) times 3 in \(x\) Add the value of b times 6 to the value already in \(x\). Add the value of a times 5 to the value already in \(x\). Display the value in \(x\) on the screen.

Short answer

Answer: The final value of x is 365.

Step-by-step solution

Initialize the variables

Initialize the variables a, b, c and \(x\) with the given values: \(a=1\), \(b=10\), \(c=100\), and \(x=0\).

Calculate \(x\) (Part 1)

Multiply the value of \(c\) by 3 and store it in variable \(x\). So, \(x = c\times3 = 100\times3 = 300\).

Calculate \(x\) (Part 2)

Now, add the value of \(b\) multiplied by 6 to the value already in \(x\). This means \(x = x + (b\times 6) = 300 + (10\times6) = 300 + 60 = 360\).

Calculate \(x\) (Part 3)

Finally, add the value of \(a\) multiplied by 5 to the value already in \(x\). This means \(x = x + (a\times 5) = 360 + (1\times5) = 360 + 5 = 365\).

Display the final result

The final value of the variable \(x\) is 365. Display this value on the screen.

Key concepts

Variable Initialization

In C++ programming, before using any variable, it must first be initialized. This means giving it a starting value. For example, in the provided exercise:

• The variable a is initialized with the value 1.
• The variable b is initialized with the value 10.
• The variable c is initialized with the value 100.
• The variable x starts with the value 0.

By doing this, you are setting a precise state for your program to begin with, ensuring it behaves as expected when performing further operations.
Getting the initialization correct is crucial as it forms the foundation for subsequent calculations.

Arithmetic Operations

Arithmetic operations are fundamental in programming and involve simple calculations like addition, subtraction, multiplication, and division. In the given exercise:

• We first multiply c by 3 and store it in x, resulting in x = 300.
• Next, add b multiplied by 6 to x, so x becomes x = 360.
• Lastly, add a multiplied by 5 to x, making x equal to x = 365.

Each arithmetic operation is performed step-by-step, updating the value of x at every stage. Understanding the order of operations is key to ensuring accurate results.

Output Display

After all calculations are completed, a program often needs to present the results to the user. This is known as output display. In our example, the final value of x is 365. This value needs to be displayed on the screen.

• In C++, the cout statement is commonly used for displaying output: cout << x;.

Being able to output results helps in debugging and ensures the user can understand the result of the program's computations.
Effectively displaying outputs is an essential skill for making user-friendly applications.

Algorithmic Steps

Breaking down a problem into clear, manageable steps is known as creating an algorithm. In programming, algorithms are vital for solving problems systematically. This exercise follows a defined sequence of steps:

• Initialize variables: Start by giving each variable a specific value.
• Perform arithmetic operations: Calculate using the mathematical operations step-by-step.
• Store intermediate values: Ensure calculations are stored correctly before further operations.
• Display the result: Finally, show the processed output to the user.

Each step builds on the previous one, ensuring that the final outcome is reached through a logical flow. Understanding these algorithmic steps aids in writing clear and efficient programs.