Question

Write an if-else statement that assigns 0.10 to commission unless sales is greater than or equal to 50000.0 , in which case it assigns 0.2 to commission.

Short answer

Question: Write an if-else statement that sets the value of the 'commission' variable based on the value of the 'sales' variable. Answer: ```python # Step 1: Define the variables sales = 55000 # You can change this value for testing purposes commission = 0 # Step 2: Write the if-else statement if sales >= 50000.0: commission = 0.2 else: commission = 0.1 # Step 3: Print the value of commission print("Commission:", commission) ```

Step-by-step solution

Define the variables

First, we need to define the variables 'sales' and 'commission'. You can assign any value to 'sales' for testing purposes.

Write the if-else statement

Now, we'll create the if-else statement. Check if the value of 'sales' is greater than or equal to 50000.0. If it is, assign 0.2 to 'commission'. Otherwise, assign 0.10 to 'commission'.

Print the value of commission

After the if-else statement, print the value of 'commission' to make sure the statement is working correctly.

Key concepts

Conditional Statements

Conditional statements, often referred to as 'if-else' statements, are a crucial component of programming that allows the flow of a program to change based on certain conditions. In Java, an if statement checks whether a condition is true or false. If the condition is true, the block of code within the if part executes. Conversely, if the condition is false, the execution skips to the else part, if it is present, to execute the alternative block of code.

For example, consider deciding whether to carry an umbrella. If it's raining (true), you take an umbrella (if block). If it's not raining (false), you leave the umbrella at home (else block). Similarly, in Java programming, you would structure your code to reflect any number of scenarios based on varied conditions to guide different outcomes or operations within your application.

Using if-else statements in Java not only helps in decision making but also adds complexity to programs by enabling them to handle multiple conditions and yield appropriate actions. Always remember that the condition within an if-else statement must evaluate to either true or false, and it often involves comparison operators such as >, <, ==, !=, >=, and <=.

Java Programming

Java programming is an object-oriented programming language that is widely used for developing platform-independent applications. With a syntax somewhat similar to English, complemented by a set of well-defined rules, it makes for a favorable learning environment for beginners.

In Java, programs are composed of one or more classes, with a class being the blueprint from which individual objects are created. Each class contains methods (functions) and variables (attributes). The method is where actions are performed, and decisions are made, such as with the if-else statement highlighted in the given exercise.

Handling Textbook Exercises:For better understanding and practice, it's essential to dissect textbook problems by identifying variables involved, the expected outcome, and then mapping out the logic with conditional statements to reach that outcome. To improve one's skill in Java programming, regularly engaging in such exercises and challenges is recommended, as they reinforce learning and comprehension of fundamental concepts.

Variable Assignment

Variable assignment plays a pivotal role in Java and any programming language. It's the process of storing a value in a variable. This value can then be accessed and manipulated throughout the program. Variables are named storage locations, capable of holding data that can vary or change during the execution of a program.

In the exercise example, two variables are employed - sales and commission. The assignment operator = is used to assign values to these variables. The value of commission changes depending on the condition evaluated in the if-else statement.

It's important to choose meaningful variable names to make the code readable and to initialize them properly, the lack of which can lead to logic errors. Also, understanding the scope of variables, i.e., where they can be accessed from within the program, is essential for preventing unnecessary errors and ensuring security within the code.