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WGU D684 INTRODUCTION TO COMPUTER
SCIENCE
Questions 1–50: Computational Thinking & Problem Solving
Question 1 What are the four steps of George Pólya's problem-solving method? A) Plan, do, check, act B) Identify, research, develop, evaluate C) Understanding the problem, devising a plan, executing the plan, reviewing the solution D) Analysis, design, implementation, testing Answer: C Explanation: George Pólya's classic problem-solving method consists of four steps: (1) understanding the problem, (2) devising a plan, (3) executing the plan, and (4) reviewing the solution.
Question 2 Which step in the computer problem-solving process involves defining the problem and identifying its requirements, constraints, and objectives? A) Algorithm development B) Analysis and specification C) Implementation D) Maintenance Answer: B Explanation: In the analysis and specification phase, the problem is examined thoroughly to identify its requirements, constraints, and objectives.
Question 3 A programmer chooses a programming language and begins typing code. According to the SDLC model, which step is this? A) Maintain the program B) Translate the code C) Code the program
Explanation: The first step in Pólya's method is "understanding the problem," which requires analyzing the context, identifying the question being asked, and recognizing constraints.
Question 5 Which step involves coming up with possible strategies to solve a problem? A) Executing the plan B) Understanding the problem C) Devising a plan D) Reviewing the solution Answer: C Explanation: "Devising a plan" is the step where the problem-solver brainstorms and selects strategies to solve the problem.
Question 6
What is the purpose of the maintenance phase in the computer problem- solving process? A) To identify the problem B) To ensure the continued functionality of the software C) To assess the effectiveness of the solution D) To execute the plan Answer: B Explanation: The maintenance phase focuses on keeping the software functioning correctly, fixing bugs, and making necessary updates over time.
Question 7 A software engineer is developing a module that compares a car's speed with the speed limit. Which phase is the engineer in when defining the problem? A) Maintenance B) Analysis and specification C) Algorithm development D) Implementation
Question 9 What is the correct order of the software development lifecycle (SDLC) steps according to the D684 course materials? A) Code, test, plan, maintain B) Understand the problem, plan the logic, code the program, test the program, put into production, maintain C) Analysis, design, implementation, deployment, maintenance D) Plan, analyze, design, implement, test, deploy Answer: B Explanation: The SDLC steps covered in D684 include: understand the problem, plan the logic, code the program, test the program, put the program into production, and maintain the program.
Question 10 In the SDLC model, which step immediately follows "understand the problem"?
A) Test the program B) Put the program into production C) Plan the logic D) Translate the code Answer: C Explanation: After understanding the problem, the next logical step is planning the logic—outlining the steps the program will take before writing actual code.
Question 11 A programmer is outlining the steps that a program will go through. According to the SDLC, which step is this? A) Understand the problem B) Put the program into production C) Plan the logic D) Maintain the program Answer: C
What is the term for a step-by-step procedure or set of rules designed to solve a specific problem or perform a particular task? A) Program B) Algorithm C) Variable D) Function Answer: B Explanation: An algorithm is a precise, step-by-step sequence of instructions for solving a problem or accomplishing a task.
Question 14 Which SDLC step follows coding and involves evaluating the solution by running the program with different inputs? A) Maintenance B) Implementation C) Testing D) Deployment
Answer: C Explanation: Testing ensures the program produces expected outputs and behaves correctly under various conditions.
Question 15 A programmer uses the computer problem-solving process to optimize an algorithm that finds the shortest driving distance between cities. Which phase involves translating the planned steps into a programming language? A) Algorithm development B) Maintenance C) Implementation D) Analysis and specification Answer: C Explanation: Implementation is the coding phase where the algorithm is written in a specific programming language.
A) They are identical processes with different names B) SDLC focuses on software development projects; the problem-solving process applies more broadly C) SDLC has no maintenance phase D) The problem-solving process has no testing phase Answer: B Explanation: While both follow similar steps (planning, implementation, testing, maintenance), the SDLC is specifically designed for software development, whereas Pólya's method applies to general problem-solving.
Question 18 Which approach to problem-solving involves breaking down a large problem into smaller, more manageable sub-problems? A) Divide and conquer B) Iterative refinement C) Top-down design D) Recursive decomposition
Answer: A Explanation: Divide and conquer is a problem-solving strategy that breaks complex problems into simpler sub-problems that are easier to solve individually.
Question 19 What is "computational thinking" as defined in the D684 curriculum? A) Using computers to think for you B) A problem-solving approach that involves formulating problems in a way that computers can assist C) Writing code without planning D) Memorizing programming syntax Answer: B Explanation: Computational thinking involves problem formulation, solution design, and the use of computers to assist in problem-solving.
A) Creativity B) Systematic problem-solving C) Independence D) Speed Answer: B Explanation: Approaching problems systematically is a hallmark of good computational thinking and professional practice.
Question 22 In the SDLC, what happens during the "put the program into production" step? A) The program is written B) The program is deployed for actual use by end users C) The program is tested D) The program is planned Answer: B
Explanation: Putting the program into production means releasing it so end users can access and use the software.
Question 23 Which SDLC step ensures the ongoing functionality of software after it has been deployed? A) Coding B) Testing C) Maintenance D) Planning Answer: C Explanation: The maintenance phase involves fixing bugs, making updates, and ensuring the software continues to meet user needs over time.
Question 24
D) An algorithm requires a computer; a program does not Answer: B Explanation: An algorithm is the logical solution; a program is the concrete implementation of that algorithm in a programming language.
Question 26 Which SDLC step involves writing the actual code that implements the planned logic? A) Plan the logic B) Understand the problem C) Code the program D) Test the program Answer: C Explanation: The "code the program" step is where programming takes place—translating the planned logic into actual programming language statements.
Question 27 In the computer problem-solving process, what is the purpose of algorithm development? A) To understand the problem B) To create a step-by-step solution before coding C) To test the program D) To deploy the program Answer: B Explanation: Algorithm development involves designing the logical steps required to solve the problem before implementation begins.
Question 28 Which term describes the ongoing process of keeping a system or software in good working condition?
