Chapter 1: Problem 12

An algorithm is approximately the same thing as a recipe, but some kinds of steps that would be allowed in a recipe are not allowed in an algorithm. Which steps in the following recipe would be allowed in an algorithm? Place 2 teaspoons of sugar in mixing bowl. Add 1 egg to mixing bowl. Add 1 cup of milk to mixing bowl. Add 1 ounce of rum, if you are not driving. Add vanilla extract to taste. Beat until smooth. Pour into a pretty glass. Sprinkle with nutmeg.

Short Answer

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Answer: Steps 1, 2, 3, and 8 are allowed in an algorithm because they have clear instructions and specific actions. However, step 8 would be improved by providing a specific quantity of nutmeg. Steps 4, 5, 6, and 7 are not allowed in an algorithm due to conditional statements, ambiguous instructions, and subjective criteria that do not meet the requirements for an algorithm step.

Step by step solution

Place 2 teaspoons of sugar in mixing bowl.

This step is allowed in an algorithm because it has clear instructions with specific measurements.

Add 1 egg to mixing bowl.

This step is allowed in an algorithm because it clearly states what to add to the mixing bowl.

Add 1 cup of milk to mixing bowl.

This step is allowed in an algorithm because it has a specific quantity and clear instructions.

Add 1 ounce of rum, if you are not driving.

This step is not allowed in an algorithm because it contains a conditional statement ("if you are not driving") that depends on individual circumstances, which an algorithm cannot account for.

Add vanilla extract to taste.

This step is not allowed in an algorithm because "to taste" is ambiguous and does not provide a specific quantity.

Beat until smooth.

This step is not allowed in an algorithm because "until smooth" is subjective and cannot be measured or determined in a clear, unambiguous manner.

Pour into a pretty glass.

This step is not allowed in an algorithm because "pretty glass" is subjective and does not provide clear, unambiguous instructions.

Sprinkle with nutmeg.

This step is allowed in an algorithm, although it doesn't specify the amount of nutmeg, this action does not impact the overall outcome. However, it is preferable to provide a specific quantity to make the step more algorithmic.

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Short Answer

Step by step solution

Place 2 teaspoons of sugar in mixing bowl.

Add 1 egg to mixing bowl.

Add 1 cup of milk to mixing bowl.

Add 1 ounce of rum, if you are not driving.

Add vanilla extract to taste.

Beat until smooth.

Pour into a pretty glass.

Sprinkle with nutmeg.

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