In computer programming, FORTRAN is a high level language that is not usually used for which of the following tasks drawing pictures or carrying out mathematics computations?

Introduction / Context:
FORTRAN is one of the oldest high level programming languages and its name comes from Formula Translation. It was designed mainly for scientific and engineering calculations, where heavy numerical computation is required. This question checks whether learners understand the typical use cases of FORTRAN and can distinguish between tasks for which it is suited and those for which it is not usually used.

Given Data / Assumptions:

• The question presents two statements: (I) Drawing pictures, and (II) Carrying out mathematics computations.
• It asks for which activity FORTRAN is not used.
• Options allow us to choose only statement I, only statement II, both, or neither, plus a general distractor.
• We assume a basic understanding that FORTRAN is associated with numerical and scientific work.

Concept / Approach:
FORTRAN is historically important in scientific computing, numerical analysis, engineering simulations, and similar fields. It has strong support for mathematical operations, arrays, and numerical precision, but it was not originally designed for tasks such as drawing graphical images or handling complex user interfaces. While modern systems may provide some libraries that interface FORTRAN programs with graphics, that is not its traditional or primary use. Therefore the logical approach is to identify which of the listed activities falls outside its standard domain.

Step-by-Step Solution:
Step 1: Recall that the full form of FORTRAN is Formula Translation, emphasising formulas and numerical calculations.Step 2: Recognise that carrying out mathematics computations directly aligns with the purpose of FORTRAN, which supports numeric and scientific programming.Step 3: Consider drawing pictures. Graphics programming typically uses other languages or specialised graphics libraries and is not a classic or primary use case for FORTRAN.Step 4: Therefore, FORTRAN is used for mathematics computations (II) but not usually for drawing pictures (I).Step 5: Among the options, the statement that FORTRAN is not used for only drawing pictures (I) correctly reflects this understanding.

Verification / Alternative Check:
A helpful verification is to think of common applications where FORTRAN appears, such as weather prediction models, structural engineering analysis, physics simulations, and high performance computing routines. All of these rely heavily on numerical computation rather than direct graphical output. By contrast, when we think of drawing pictures or building rich graphical interfaces, we more often encounter languages like C, C++, Java, and modern frameworks that specialise in graphics. This contrast supports the conclusion that FORTRAN is associated with mathematical calculations rather than drawing pictures.

Why Other Options Are Wrong:
Option B, Only carrying out mathematics computations (II), is wrong because FORTRAN is in fact widely used for mathematics computations. Option C, Both (I) and (II), incorrectly suggests that FORTRAN is not used for either task, which contradicts its heavy use in numerical work. Option D, Neither (I) nor (II), implies FORTRAN is used for both drawing pictures and mathematical computations, but drawing pictures is not a typical use. Option E, None of these, is incorrect because one of the listed combinations, namely Only drawing pictures (I), accurately describes what FORTRAN is not used for.

Common Pitfalls:
A common mistake is to assume that any high level language can easily be used for all kinds of tasks, including graphics, and to forget its historical focus. Some students may also misread the phrase not used and accidentally select the statement describing what FORTRAN is used for, rather than what it is not used for. Paying attention to negative wording in the question and remembering the main purpose of the language helps avoid this confusion.

Final Answer:
FORTRAN is not usually used for Only drawing pictures (I).