APCSA Question of the Week: Iteration 1

Week 3: Iteration 1

This week's question is from Unit 4: Iteration. With 17-18% of multiple choice questions focused on Iteration, this is the topic you should know best!

For this week's question, only 20% of students get this question correct on the first try.

Try it for yourself on Passionfruit before scrolling to see the answer and explanation below!

Explanation and Solution

When analyzing any loop, take note of these key points:

• The increment value (here it's k += 2)

• The comparison operator (< vs <=)

• Any conditions inside the loop

• What the question is asking for — in this case, note the word "maximum"

The Quick Approach

Instead of diving into formulas, let's try some real numbers. This always helps me understand what's actually happening.

Try p = 8 (an even number)

If data[k] <= limit is true every time, we'll print "LOW" four times.

Try p = 7 (an odd number)

Interesting - we get the same result! Why? Because k still needs to stay less than 7.

The Pattern:

So it turns out, the formula (p+1)/2 works perfectly:

• For p = 7: (7+1)/2 = 4

• For p = 8: (8+1)/2 = 4

• For p = 9: (9+1)/2 = 5

This formula accounts for both odd and even number situations.

Therefore the answer is option E.

Quick Tips

When you see a loop question like this:

1. Try an even number

2. Try an odd number

3. Look for the pattern

4. Double-check with the "maximum" condition

As always, if you have any additional questions, feel free to ask Passionfruit's AI Tutor or email us at jason@passionfruitlearning.com.

See you next time!