Data Types CS Thinking Example 3

Follow the full solution, then compare it with the other examples linked below.

Example 3

medium
For each scenario, choose the most appropriate data type: (a) a student's name, (b) number of students in a class, (c) whether a student passed, (d) a student's average grade (e.g., 87.5).

Solution

  1. 1
    Step 1: (a) Name is text → string. (b) Count of students is a whole number → integer.
  2. 2
    Step 2: (c) Passed or not is yes/no → boolean. (d) Average can have decimals → float/real.

Answer

(a) String, (b) Integer, (c) Boolean, (d) Float/Real.
Choosing the correct data type ensures data is stored efficiently and operations behave as expected. Using an integer for a count prevents nonsensical fractional students.

About Data Types

Categories that classify data values and determine which operations can validly be performed on them. Common data types include integers, floating-point numbers, strings, booleans, and arrays, each with its own set of permitted operations.

Learn more about Data Types →

More Data Types Examples

Example 1 easy

Classify each value into its data type: (a) 42, (b) 'Hello', (c) 3.14, (d) TRUE.

Example 2 medium

A program reads user input as a string '25'. What happens if you try to calculate '25' + 10 without

Example 4 hard

A program stores prices as integers in pence (e.g., 499 for £4.99) rather than as floats. Explain tw

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