[Year 12 SofDev] Algorithm question

[Robert Hind]

Language! Wonderful thing.

We do need to be careful and conscious of the different ways people express themselves.

My favorite example involves days of the week. Eg "I'll meet you at 10am next Saturday." Please note I am writing this on Wednesday 4 May.

Some interpret "next Saturday" as Saturday 7 May, while others understand it to mean "Saturday of next week", ie Saturday 14 May.

So back to the algorithm! In such a question, the wording needs to be unambiguous, eg "in less than 10 seconds" or "in 10 seconds or less". 

We all write things from our own perspective and we need others to point out possible misunderstandings - as you have done this time. Thank you.

Hopefully with exams this problem is addressed by the checking by the exam writers themselves, followed by ESL checking and then the use of Sitter/Vetters. But still problems do occur and are then dealt with at the exam marker training sessions that involve many more people.

Second opinion? "Within" means inside and should perhaps be interpreted as <10. Just my opinion :-)

Robert Hind (Semi-retired) OOF, GOM
Ashwood and Traralgon
robert at yinnar.com


  ----- Original Message ----- 
  From: PIKE Philip 
  To: Year 12 Software Development Teachers' Mailing List 
  Sent: Wednesday, May 04, 2011 3:19 PM
  Subject: Re: [Year 12 SofDev] Algorithm question


  Hi all, I was doing some algorithm work with my SD class and was using Claudia's Algorithm practice worksheet. There is a question about a siren on a security system which includes-

  "The system will only allow entry to people who have keyed in the correct four digit number, using a key pad, within 10 seconds "

  Question

  Does "within 10 seconds" include 10 seconds IE <=10 or is it only  <10.

  I was inclined to include 10 seconds, but I would like a second opinion.

   

  thanks

   

   

   

  Philip Pike

  Director of ICT

  Bacchus Marsh Grammar

  Sth Maddingley Rd.

  Bacchus Marsh 3340

  Ph 03 53664800

  fax 03 53664850

   



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