WGU NDE Scripting-and-Programming-Foundations New Questions

Comprehensive and Detailed Explanation From Exact Extract:

The least common multiple (LCM) of two positive integers a and b is the smallest number that is a multiple of both. A function to compute the LCM requires a and b as inputs to perform the calculation (e.g., using the formula LCM(a, b) = (a * b) / GCD(a, b), where GCD is the greatest common divisor). According to foundational programming principles, the function’s inputs must include all values needed to compute the output.

Task Analysis:

Goal: Compute LCM of a and b.

Required inputs: The two integers a and b.

Output: The LCM (denoted as L in the question).

Option A: "L only." This is incorrect. L is the output (the LCM), not an input. The function needs a and b to calculate L.

Option B: "a * b." This is incorrect. The product a * b is used in the LCM formula (LCM = (a * b) / GCD(a, b)), but the function needs a and b separately to compute the GCD and then the LCM.

Option C: "a and L." This is incorrect. L is the output, not an input, and the function does not need L to compute itself.

Option D: "a and b." This is correct. The function requires the two integers a and b as inputs to compute their LCM. For example, in Python:

def lcm(a, b):

def gcd(x, y):

while y:

x, y = y, x % y

return x

return (a * b) // gcd(a, b)

Certiport Scripting and Programming Foundations Study Guide (Section on Functions and Parameters).

Cormen, T.H., et al., Introduction to Algorithms, 3rd Edition (Chapter 31: Number-Theoretic Algorithms).

GeeksforGeeks: “LCM of Two Numbers”

 Dijkstra’s shortest path algorithm is designed to find the shortest path between nodes in a graph. This can be applied to various scenarios, such as routing problems, network optimization, and in this case, determining the most fuel-efficient flight plan. The algorithm works by iteratively selecting the unvisited vertex with the smallest tentative distance from the source, then visiting the neighbors of this vertex and updating their tentative distances if a shorter path is found. This process continues until the destination vertex is reached or all reachable vertices have been visited.

In the context of the given options, Dijkstra’s algorithm is best suited for option B, where the goal is to find the most fuel-efficient path (i.e., the shortest path) between multiple points (coordinates of five positions). The algorithm is not designed to solve problems like searching for an element in an array (option A), finding the longest common subsequence (option C), or searching for a name in a list (option D).

The pseudocode provided appears to be a loop that calculates the sum of numbers. Without seeing the exact pseudocode, I can deduce based on common programming patterns that if the loop is designed to add numbers from 1 to 5, the sum would be 1 + 2 + 3 + 4 + 5, which equals 15. This is a typical example of a series where the sum of the first n natural numbers is given by the formula

2n(n+1)​

, and in this case, with n being 5, the sum is

25(5+1)​=15

Measure and mark the lumber cuts: This step involves measuring and marking the specific cuts required for the picnic table. It ensures that the lumber pieces are appropriately sized for assembly.

Determine the needed materials: Before purchasing materials, it’s essential to determine what is required. This step involves creating a list of necessary items such as lumber, screws, paint, etc.

Buy the needed materials: Once the materials list is ready, proceed to purchase them. This step ensures that you have all the necessary supplies before starting the construction.

Cut the lumber to the proper dimensions: With the materials on hand, cut the lumber according to the measurements marked in step 1. This ensures that the pieces fit together correctly during assembly.

Assemble the pieces and paint: Finally, assemble the cut lumber pieces to create the picnic table. After assembly, apply paint or finish as desired.

References

No specific references are provided for this question, but the steps align with general woodworking practices for constructing a picnic table. You can refer to woodworking guides or carpentry resources for further details.