Question

Errors in programming can be categorized as syntax errors (errors in the code structure) or logic errors (where the code works, but not as intended). The task is to generate a lottery number by iterating through a loop three times. Which of the following loops contains an error? (4 points)

I. for(int n = 1; n <= lotNumLength; n++)

II. for(int n = 0; n <= lotNumLength; n++)

III. for(int n = 0; n < lotNumLength; n++)
option:
I only

II only

III only

I and II only

II and III only

Answer 1

The second loop contains an error because it iterates one extra time due to the <= operator. Loops I and III are correct assuming that lotNumLength is the exact number of iterations required.

Step-by-step explanation:

The student has asked which of the following loops contains an error when generating a lottery number by iterating through a loop three times:

1. for(int n = 1; n <= lotNumLength; n++)
2. for(int n = 0; n <= lotNumLength; n++)
3. for(int n = 0; n < lotNumLength; n++)

Loop I will only execute the loop lotNumLength times, which is correct if lotNumLength is the desired number of iterations. However, loop II has a syntax error because it will execute one more time than intended. The condition should be n < lotNumLength to iterate exactly lotNumLength times, assuming the counting starts from 0. Loop III is correctly structured to iterate lotNumLength times, starting at 0 and ending at lotNumLength - 1.