Algorithm design and problem-solving: past paper questions
Real questions on algorithm design and problem-solving
The newest 20 of 98 written questions. Open one to see it on the real paper.
- 0984/21 · May/June 2026 · Q1[1]
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. A length check B_ presence check C type check Drange check
See it on the paper → - 0984/21 · May/June 2026 · Q6[4]
6 Give programming examples for a count-controlled loop and a post-condition loop. Describe each of the loops. count-controlled loop CxAMPIe .......... COSCTIPTION .......... .......... .......... Post-condition lOOP EXAMPIE .......... description ..........
See it on the paper → - 0984/21 · May/June 2026 · Q7[4]
7 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. 01 DECLARE Counter : INTEGER 02 DECLARE Total : INTEGER 03 D...
See it on the paper → - 0984/21 · May/June 2026 · Q10a[6]
Draw a flowchart to input six whole numbers and output the highest. You do not need to validate the inputs.
See it on the paper → - 0984/22 · May/June 2026 · Q1[1]
1 Tick (“) one box to complete the following sentence. Two types of pseudocode statements used for iteration are A CASE and IF .......... NEXT .......... NEXT WHILE .......... .......... ENDWHILE REPEAT .......... UNTIL CASE
See it on the paper → - 0984/22 · May/June 2026 · Q3a(i)[1]
Acheck to make sure that data has been input and not left blank.
See it on the paper → - 0984/22 · May/June 2026 · Q3a(ii)[1]
A value placed at the end of a sequence of numbers in the code. The value is calculated from all the other values before it.
See it on the paper → - 0984/22 · May/June 2026 · Q3b[3]
(b) Explain the purpose of a format check and give an example of where it could be used. PUIDOSE ..........
See it on the paper → - 0984/22 · May/June 2026 · Q3c[6]
Write the pseudocode for an algorithm to perform a validation check on each number as it is input, using the following criteria: ¢ — Input one number at a time. ° If the number is a whole number, store it in the current element of array Accepted[] ¢ — If the number is not a whole number, ask for it to be input again un...
See it on the paper → - 0984/22 · May/June 2026 · Q6a[1]
Complete the trace table for the algorithm, using the input data: post, Y, committee, N, bookkeeper Note: the first character of each word is in position 1. Word WordLength Count NumLetter Choice OUTPUT
See it on the paper → - 0984/22 · May/June 2026 · Q6b[1]
State the purpose of the algorithm shown by the flowchart.
See it on the paper → - 0984/22 · October/November 2025 · Q2c(i)[2]
Explain why the given algorithm may not always give the expected results.
See it on the paper → - 0984/22 · October/November 2025 · Q2c(ii)[2]
Explain how you could improve the algorithm so that the search is more likely to find the required results.
See it on the paper → - 0984/22 · October/November 2025 · Q3[6]
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. Complete the table by inserting the missing information. Type of test data Purpose...
See it on the paper → - 0984/22 · October/November 2025 · Q4a[1]
A length check is a type of validation check. State the purpose of a length check.
See it on the paper → - 0984/22 · October/November 2025 · Q5a[6]
The first data row of the trace table shows the values currently stored in CodeStore[] Complete the trace table for the algorithm, using the input data: 7686, Face, Speed, 432U, Yp79 CodeStore[] Store Count aBcd 1532 Face 63q8 OUTPUT Code
See it on the paper → - 0984/22 · October/November 2025 · Q5b[3]
Describe the processes in the algorithm on page 6.
See it on the paper → - 0984/21 · May/June 2025 · Q1[1]
Tick ( ü ) one box to identify the type of test to only check for the largest or smallest acceptable value. A normal test data B abnormal test data C extreme test data 1
See it on the paper → - 0984/21 · May/June 2025 · Q2a[4]
Requirement Validation check Date of birth must be between 01/01/1900 and 01/01/2010. length check (a) Draw one line from each requirement to the most appropriate validation check. Not all validation checks will be used. format check Name has been entered. range check Password has exactly 12 characters. check digit Stu...
See it on the paper → - 0984/21 · May/June 2025 · Q2b[3]
Identify and describe one verification check that could be applied when a new password is input into a system. Verification check Description
See it on the paper →
What examiners said
Most candidates were able to correctly identify extreme test data.
— Examiner report, May/June 2025, 0984/21 Q1 (Cambridge)
Most candidates were able to correctly identify the four correct validation checks.
— Examiner report, May/June 2025, 0984/21 Q2(a) (Cambridge)
Most candidates identified a verification method and described it. Some candidates incorrectly identified validation checks which were given in part (a)
— Examiner report, May/June 2025, 0984/21 Q2(b) (Cambridge)
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