Question

How do you write a multiple alternative decision structure in pseudocode?

Short answer

Answer: In pseudocode, a multiple alternative decision structure can be represented using the "IF", "ELSEIF" (or "ELSE IF"), and "ELSE" keywords, with the conditions and actions provided for each condition. The first condition that is true will have its corresponding action executed, and the rest of the conditions will be ignored. An optional "ELSE" statement can act as a catch-all if none of the previous conditions are true.

Step-by-step solution

Introduction to decision structures

A decision structure, also known as a conditional statement or branching statement, is a fundamental concept in programming. It allows the program to perform different actions depending on certain conditions. In pseudocode, multiple alternative decision structures are typically represented using the "IF", "ELSEIF"(or "ELSE IF"), and "ELSE" keywords.

Writing a simple IF statement in pseudocode

To write a simple IF statement in pseudocode, use the "IF" keyword followed by a condition in parentheses and a colon. On the next line, indent and write the action to be taken if the condition is true. The pseudocode for a simple IF statement looks like this: IF (condition): action

Writing an IF-ELSE statement in pseudocode

To write an IF-ELSE statement in pseudocode, follow the IF statement format from Step 2, but after the action, write "ELSE:" on a new line, followed by an indented action for when the condition is false. The pseudocode for an IF-ELSE statement looks like this: IF (condition): action if condition is true ELSE: action if condition is false

Writing a multiple alternative decision structure in pseudocode

To write a multiple alternative decision structure in pseudocode, start with an IF statement, followed by one or more "ELSEIF" (or "ELSE IF") statements with their corresponding conditions and actions, and optionally end with an ELSE statement. The pseudocode for a multiple alternative decision structure looks like this: IF (condition1): action if condition1 is true ELSEIF (condition2): action if condition2 is true ELSEIF (condition3): action if condition3 is true ... ELSE: action if none of the conditions are true Remember that the first condition that is true will have its corresponding action executed, and the rest of the conditions will be ignored. The "ELSE" statement acts as a catch-all if none of the previous conditions is true.