Integer CS Thinking Example 2
Follow the full solution, then compare it with the other examples linked below.
Example 2
mediumA program stores a student's age as an integer. Why would an integer be more appropriate than a floating-point number for age in years?
Solution
- 1 Step 1: Age in whole years is always a whole number (e.g., 15, not 15.7).
- 2 Step 2: Integers use less memory and avoid floating-point precision issues.
- 3 Step 3: Using the correct data type makes the program's intent clear and prevents errors like storing age as 15.000000001.
Answer
Integers are appropriate because age in years is a whole number. They are more memory-efficient and avoid floating-point precision issues.
Choosing the right data type is important for correctness, efficiency, and clarity. Integers are used when fractional values are not meaningful.
About Integer
A data type that represents whole numbers (positive, negative, or zero) without decimal points. Integers are stored exactly in memory and support arithmetic operations like addition, subtraction, multiplication, and integer division.
Learn more about Integer →More Integer Examples
Example 1 easy
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Example 3 easyWhat are the results of: (a) 25 MOD 7, (b) 100 DIV 3, (c) 8 MOD 2?
Example 4 mediumA vending machine program stores the price as 175 (meaning $1.75 in cents). A customer inserts 200 c