Practice Quiz: Edhesive Test 2 Answers

An algorithm is a clearly defined procedure that outlines the steps needed to solve a problem. It provides a systematic approach required for effective problem-solving.

An integer is a fundamental data type used to represent numeric values. The other options refer to structures or operations rather than basic data types.

A loop is used to repeat a block of code multiple times until a specified condition is satisfied. This reduces redundancy and simplifies repetitive tasks in coding.

A function encapsulates a set of instructions designed to perform a particular task and can be reused throughout a program. This modularity makes programs easier to manage and debug.

The if-else statement is used to execute different blocks of code based on whether a condition is true or false. It is a fundamental mechanism for decision-making in programming.

A for loop typically starts by initializing a counter, then checks a condition to continue looping, executes the block of code, and updates the counter in each iteration. This structure ensures controlled and predictable repetition.

Binary search leverages the sorted nature of an array to quickly eliminate half of the remaining elements during each step. This makes it significantly more efficient than a linear search for ordered arrays.

Recursion occurs when a function calls itself in order to break down a complex problem into simpler versions of the same problem. This technique is especially useful for problems that have naturally recursive structures, such as tree traversals.

Variable scope determines where in the code a variable can be accessed or modified. This understanding helps prevent errors like unintended variable shadowing or conflicts in larger programs.

A stack operates on the LIFO principle, where the most recently added element is the first to be removed. This behavior is essential in scenarios like function call management and undo operations.

Merge sort is a divide and conquer algorithm that splits the list into smaller parts, sorts them, and then merges the sorted sublists. Its average time complexity of O(n log n) makes it efficient for a wide range of applications.

Inheritance enables a class to derive attributes and methods from a parent class, promoting code reuse. This object-oriented principle helps in creating hierarchical relationships among classes.

The snippet clearly demonstrates an if-else structure, where the condition x == 10 determines which block of code will be executed. This is a typical example of a conditional control structure that directs program flow.

Indexing refers to the technique of accessing elements of an array by their specific position. This concept is fundamental for reading, modifying, and managing array-based data efficiently.

Big-O notation is used to express the worst-case scenario of an algorithm's running time or space requirements. It abstracts out constant factors and lower-order terms, thereby focusing on the most significant factors affecting performance.

Without a proper base case, a recursive function may call itself indefinitely. This uncontrolled recursion results in a stack overflow error as the call stack exceeds its limit.

The nested loops each iterate 'n' times, leading to n multiplied by n iterations, or O(n^2). Despite the simple condition inside, the overall structure still results in quadratic complexity.

Big-O notation focuses on the growth rate of an algorithm's running time relative to input size by ignoring constant multiplicative factors. This abstraction allows for a comparison of algorithms based solely on their most significant factors.

Unit testing involves testing individual components of the code to ensure they work as intended, making it easier to pinpoint logical errors. This methodology isolates pieces of functionality, allowing for more focused and effective debugging.

Calculating factorials is a classic example where recursion fits naturally, as the problem can be divided into smaller, similar sub-problems. This demonstrates the strength of recursion in solving problems with inherently recursive properties.