In flowcharting, which type of instruction belongs inside the diamond-shaped decision symbol?

Difficulty: Easy

Correct Answer: IS A<10

Explanation:


Introduction / Context:
Flowcharts use standardized symbols to represent program logic. The diamond denotes a decision point—a Boolean test whose outcome directs control flow along different branches. Identifying which statements belong in a decision symbol is fundamental to algorithm design and documentation.


Given Data / Assumptions:

  • The diamond symbol expects a yes/no or true/false condition.
  • Assignments and I/O are typically represented by rectangles/parallelograms.
  • We are choosing among expressions representing a test, an assignment, an output, or data declaration.


Concept / Approach:

A decision node asks a question such as 'A < 10?' and branches accordingly. 'IS A<10' expresses a condition. Assignment (S = B - C) changes state; printing (PRINT A) is output; data declarations are neither tests nor runtime decisions.


Step-by-Step Solution:

Identify which option yields a Boolean outcome.'IS A<10' evaluates to true/false and dictates branching.Exclude assignment, output, and data statements that do not produce a branch decision.Select the decision expression for the diamond.


Verification / Alternative check:

Flowchart conventions from software engineering texts consistently place relational tests in diamonds and actions in rectangles/parallelograms.


Why Other Options Are Wrong:

  • S = B - C: process step, not a decision.
  • PRINT A: output, not a decision.
  • DATA X,4Z: declaration, not control flow.


Common Pitfalls:

  • Embedding computations inside the decision that should be performed in prior process steps.


Final Answer:

IS A<10.

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