Algorithm design and problem-solving: past paper questions

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• Question 1May/June 2026, paper 21Multiple choice1 mark

  Tick (✓) one box to identify the type of validation check to test whether a number entered into a computer system is between two set values.

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• Question 2Oct/Nov 2025, paper 22Structured15 marks

  This pseudocode algorithm is intended to input a first name from a user and search for it in a two-dimensional (2D) array.

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• Question 1Oct/Nov 2024, paper 22Multiple choice1 mark

  Tick (✓) one box to complete this sentence.

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• Question 1Oct/Nov 2023, paper 22Multiple choice1 mark

  Tick (✓) one box to complete the sentence.

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• Question 4May/June 2026, paper 21Structured4 marks

  The following pseudocode algorithm uses a bubble sort to sort the array Names[50] Complete the algorithm.

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• Question 3Oct/Nov 2025, paper 22Structured6 marks

  A program is written that will only accept values between –99.99 and +99.99, inclusive. The program is to be tested. The table, when completed, shows appropriate test data that matches the type of test data and purpose of the test data.

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• Question 2Oct/Nov 2023, paper 22Structured7 marks

  A type of validation check is a length check. Another type of validation check is used to make sure that any date entered is in the dd/mm/yyyy style: dd means day, mm means month and yyyy means year. State the type of validation check used.

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• Question 5May/June 2026, paper 21Structured12 marks

  A computer system automatically creates usernames for new users. A new user enters their first name and their last name.

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• Question 4Oct/Nov 2025, paper 22Structured7 marksHas a diagram

  A length check is a type of validation check. State the purpose of a length check.

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• Question 3Oct/Nov 2024, paper 22Structured10 marksHas a diagram

  Four flowchart symbols and five purposes are shown. Draw one line to link each flowchart symbol to its correct purpose.

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• Question 3Oct/Nov 2023, paper 22Structured8 marksHas a diagram

  Four pseudocode statements and five pseudocode uses are shown. Draw one line to link each pseudocode statement to the most appropriate pseudocode use.

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• Question 7May/June 2026, paper 21Structured4 marksHas a diagram

  An algorithm has been written in pseudocode for a user to repeatedly input positive whole numbers and store them in an array called Values[] until –1 is input or until the array is full. The algorithm outputs the average of the numbers to 2 decimal places.

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• Question 5Oct/Nov 2025, paper 22Structured13 marksHas a diagram

  This flowchart represents an algorithm.

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• Question 4Oct/Nov 2024, paper 22Structured8 marks

  This pseudocode algorithm is intended to sort a pre-populated one-dimensional (1D) array named ItemList into alphabetical order using a bubble sort.

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• Question 4Oct/Nov 2023, paper 22Structured9 marks

  An algorithm has been written in pseudocode to allow the names of 50 cities and their countries to be entered and stored in a two-dimensional (2D) array. The contents of the array are then output.

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• Question 10May/June 2026, paper 21Structured9 marksHas a diagram

  Draw a flowchart to input six whole numbers and output the highest.

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• Question 8Oct/Nov 2025, paper 22Structured15 marks

  A program is required to test the fairness of the random number generator. The one-dimensional (1D) array RandomNumber[] is used to store 100 000 random integers.

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• Question 5Oct/Nov 2024, paper 22Structured4 marks

  Analysis is one stage in the program development life cycle. State one other stage in the program development life cycle.

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• Question 6Oct/Nov 2023, paper 22Structured7 marksHas a diagram

  The flowchart represents an algorithm that performs a process on groups of values that are input. The algorithm will fail if the first value of any group is 0. An input of –1 will terminate the algorithm.

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• Question 12May/June 2026, paper 21Essay15 marks

  A weather monitoring station records the number of minutes of sunshine for each day of a month. The one‑dimensional (1D) array Sunshine[] is used to store the number of minutes of sunshine for each day. The index of the array represents the day.

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• Question 1May/June 2025, paper 21Multiple choice1 mark

  Tick (✓) one box to identify the type of test to only check for the largest or smallest acceptable value.

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• Question 6Oct/Nov 2024, paper 22Structured2 marks

  Outline one type of verification check that could be used when inputting data. Outline one type of verification check that could be used when inputting data.

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• Question 11Oct/Nov 2023, paper 22Structured15 marks

  A wood flooring company stores the names of up to 100 customers in a one-dimensional (1D) array Customers[].

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• Question 1May/June 2026, paper 22Multiple choice1 mark

  Tick (✓) one box to complete the following sentence.

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• Question 2May/June 2025, paper 21Structured7 marks

  Four requirements for validating inputs and five types of validation check are given. Draw one line from each requirement to the most appropriate validation check.

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• Question 7Oct/Nov 2024, paper 22Structured8 marks

  This pseudocode represents an algorithm. An input of –1 will terminate the algorithm.

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• Question 1May/June 2023, paper 21Structured7 marks

  Four descriptions of stages in the program development life cycle are shown. Draw one line to link each description to its most appropriate program development life cycle stage.

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• Question 3May/June 2026, paper 22Structured11 marks

  Identify the type of validation check used in each description.

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• Question 3May/June 2025, paper 21Structured4 marks

  The following pseudocode algorithm uses a count-controlled loop to read in 10 names and store them in the array Names[] FOR Count ← 1 TO 10 OUTPUT "Please…

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• Question 8Oct/Nov 2024, paper 22Structured4 marks

  Different types of test data are used during program development to make sure a program works as intended. A program being developed takes as input whole numbers that are not greater than 80. Identify two items of test data to test the whole number limit of 80.

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