Question

Assume \(w=5, x=4, y=8,\) and \(z=2\). What value will be stored in result in each of the following statements? A) result = x + y; B) result = z * 2; C) result = y / x; D) result = y ? z; E) result = w % 2;

Short answer

z (Please clarify the operation symbol) E) w % 2 Provide your answers in a clear and concise manner.

Step-by-step solution

A) Compute the value of x + y

We're given x = 4 and y = 8. Adding these two values together, we have result = 4 + 8 = 12.

B) Compute the value of z * 2

We're given z = 2. Multiplying z by 2, we have result = 2 * 2 = 4.

C) Compute the value of y / x

We're given y = 8 and x = 4. Dividing y by x, we have result = 8 / 4 = 2.

D) Rewrite the expression y ? z

It seems like there is a typing error in this expression. The "?" should be replaced with an appropriate operation symbol, such as +, -, *, /, or %.

E) Compute the value of w % 2

We're given w = 5. Calculating the modulus of w and 2, we have result = 5 % 2 = 1.

Key concepts

Arithmetic Expressions in C++

When you're working on homework or a project in C++, understanding arithmetic expressions is crucial. These expressions include addition (+), subtraction (-), multiplication (*), division (/), and modulus (%). With these tools, you can perform basic math operations in your code.

For example, if you want to add two numbers, like in the exercise where we had to calculate the value of \(x + y\) with \(x = 4\) and \(y = 8\), you would write it in C++ as \(result = x + y\), resulting in \(result = 12\). Each operation in C++ has a specific symbol representing it, and by combining these symbols with numbers or variables, you can construct arithmetic expressions that perform complex calculations.

Operators and Operands in C++

In C++, an operator is a symbol that tells the compiler to perform specific mathematical or logical manipulations. Operands are the elements that are operated on. In the expressions from our exercise, \(x, y, z,\) and \(w\) are operands, while the symbols like +, *, /, and % are operators.

The correct use of operators and operands is important for getting the desired calculation results. For instance, Step B) in our exercise uses the multiplication operator * to calculate \(result = z * 2\), and with \(z = 2\), it correctly computes \(result = 4\). Always ensure that you match the right operators with the correct operands to perform the operation you intend.

Basic Programming Math Concepts

To tackle programming problems efficiently, you'll need a solid grasp of basic math concepts. Mathematics in programming isn't just about numbers—it also involves logic and the ability to think through problems in a step-by-step manner.

Take our division example in Step C). Dividing \(y\) by \(x\) where \(y = 8\) and \(x = 4\), the C++ expression is \(result = y / x\), which gives us \(result = 2\). Also, in the modulus example from Step E), the expression \(result = w % 2\) with \(w = 5\) yields a remainder of 1, showing that 5 is an odd number. These basic concepts provide a foundation for more complex programming tasks.

Debugging Syntax Errors

Syntax errors are the bane of any programmer’s existence, often halting your progress until they're fixed. Debugging these errors requires careful attention to your code's syntax—the rules that define how your code should be written.

In Step D) of our exercise, we encountered the expression \(y ? z\), which contains a syntax error. It is missing an operator between the operands \(y\) and \(z\). To debug this, you must replace the '?' with a valid operator, like - for subtraction or + for addition. Always double-check your operators and operands and test your code for errors to avoid these frustrating issues.