Question

A bowling alley is offering a prize to the bowler whose average score from bowling three games is the lowest. Write a pseudocode algorithm for a program that inputs three bowling scores and calculates and displays their average.

Short answer

Answer: The sequence of steps in the pseudocode algorithm to calculate the average score of three bowling games is: 1. Input the scores of three bowling games (score1, score2, and score3). 2. Calculate the average by adding the scores and dividing the sum by 3 (average = (score1 + score2 + score3) / 3). 3. Display the calculated average score (PRINT "The average score is ", average).

Step-by-step solution

Input the bowling scores

In this step, we collect the scores of the three bowling games. We will use three variables (score1, score2, and score3) to store the input values. ``` INPUT score1 INPUT score2 INPUT score3 ```

Calculate the average

In this step, we calculate the average of the three bowling scores. To calculate the average, we add the three scores and then divide the sum by 3. We will use a variable (average) to store the calculated average. ``` average = (score1 + score2 + score3) / 3 ```

Display the average

In this final step, we display the calculated average score. ``` PRINT "The average score is ", average ``` The complete pseudocode algorithm is as follows: ``` INPUT score1 INPUT score2 INPUT score3 average = (score1 + score2 + score3) / 3 PRINT "The average score is ", average ```

Key concepts

Algorithm

An algorithm is a step-by-step procedure that outlines how to solve a specific problem or perform a task. Think of it as a recipe where each step guides you towards the final result. In computer science, algorithms are essential as they help programmers break down complex problems into manageable steps. This makes it easier to write clear and efficient code.

In our bowling score example, the algorithm begins with collecting inputs, processes those inputs through calculations, and finally outputs the results. Each step must be precise and clear, ensuring that when executed, it follows the intended logical flow. This approach not only aids in problem-solving but also helps in debugging and maintaining code.

Average Calculation

The concept of average calculation is to find a central value among a set of numbers. When dealing with average calculation in programming, the most common method is to sum all the numbers and then divide by the total count of those numbers.

In our case, the average calculation involves three bowling scores. We first add all scores: \( \text{total} = \text{score1} + \text{score2} + \text{score3} \). Then, we divide the total by 3, which is the number of scores, to find the average: \( \text{average} = \frac{\text{total}}{3} \).

This average gives us a single number representing the typical performance across the three games. It's a straightforward yet powerful way to summarize data that can easily be understood and communicated.

Input/Output Operations

Input and output operations are crucial in programming because they allow interaction with users. They can take input from a user and display results back to them. These operations serve as the bridge between the user and the program's logic.

In the bowling score pseudocode, the input operation is where the user provides their bowling scores. This is done using simple commands like `INPUT score1`, asking the program to receive data. Providing multiple inputs allows a more dynamic and interactive program.

On the other hand, output operations utilize commands such as `PRINT` to display information back to the user. Outputs help inform users of the results like the average score in our scenario, closing the loop in the communication between the program and its user. Effectively handling input and output can greatly enhance the user experience and functionality of any program.