APCSP Computational Thinking Practices 3

Question 1

A student writes an algorithm that works correctly on small inputs but fails on inputs with 10,000 elements. What should she do next according to computational thinking practices?

Accepted Answer

Analyze the algorithm's efficiency and identify bottlenecks

Answer

Analyzing efficiency and identifying bottlenecks is part of evaluating and refining algorithms, a core computational thinking practice.

Question 2

Which of the following is the BEST example of using abstraction when designing a navigation app?

Accepted Answer

Representing roads as edges and intersections as nodes in a graph, ignoring irrelevant details like road color

Answer

Representing roads and intersections as a graph while ignoring irrelevant details (like road color) is a classic use of abstraction.

Question 3

A programmer uses a function called `calculate_area()` in her code without knowing how it works internally. Which principle does this illustrate?

Accepted Answer

Procedural abstraction

Answer

Procedural abstraction allows a programmer to use a function based on what it does, without needing to know how it is implemented.

Question 4

Which of the following is a key benefit of using pseudocode during the problem-solving phase?

Accepted Answer

It allows the programmer to focus on logic without worrying about syntax

Answer

Pseudocode lets a programmer express algorithmic logic in plain language, separating problem-solving from the constraints of a specific language's syntax.

Question 5

A student claims her image compression program is correct because it worked on the three test images she tried. What is the flaw in her reasoning?

Accepted Answer

A small test set may not cover all edge cases and input types

Answer

Testing with only a few samples may miss edge cases like very large images, all-black images, or unusual formats, leaving bugs undetected.

(APCSP) AP Computer Science Principles Practice Test

(APCSP) AP Computer Science Principles Practice Test

APCSP Computational Thinking Practices 3