Become a MacRumors Supporter for $50/year with no ads, ability to filter front page stories, and private forums.

gameguy3001

macrumors member
Original poster
Feb 8, 2007
96
0
Saskatoon, SK
For a Computer Science class I'm taking. We are giving a algebraic equation and asked to write it in Pseudocode. I know I have to create variables for it but I'm not sure what the equation should look like.

If someone could post a example of what a equation could be and its equivalent in Pseudocode that would help a lot.

Thanks
 

angelwatt

Moderator emeritus
Aug 16, 2005
7,852
9
USA
Code-wise: int var1 = 40; int var2 = 30; int newValue = var1 + var2;

Pseudo-wise: a + b = c

Of course the equations are usually more complex, but this is a basic look. There really isn't anything to it.
 

kpua

macrumors 6502
Jul 25, 2006
294
0
Pseudo-wise: a + b = c

Don't you think that should be c = a + b? Pseudo-code is definitely not math. You still need to show assignment similar to how we do it in code. a + b = c looks like you're trying to assign a+b the value of c, which is nonsense.

In pseudo-code, the symbols you use really aren't terribly important, as long as you get the correct idea across. The above works, but I often see arrows used to make the assignment more explicit, as in the following:

c <- a+b

It's really all your preference, unless you get a teacher who's really strict about it. (You'd be surprised...)
 

MongoTheGeek

macrumors 68040
Don't you think that should be c = a + b? Pseudo-code is definitely not math. You still need to show assignment similar to how we do it in code. a + b = c looks like you're trying to assign a+b the value of c, which is nonsense.

In pseudo-code, the symbols you use really aren't terribly important, as long as you get the correct idea across. The above works, but I often see arrows used to make the assignment more explicit, as in the following:

c <- a+b

It's really all your preference, unless you get a teacher who's really strict about it. (You'd be surprised...)

I kinda like the idea of right handed assignment statements. I have vague memories of some language that does it. a + b -> c

I can even see uses for a programming language that would accept assigning a value to an equation. Constrain a and b such that their sum is c. Each would then be an array of possible values.
 

angelwatt

Moderator emeritus
Aug 16, 2005
7,852
9
USA
Don't you think that should be c = a + b? Pseudo-code is definitely not math. ...

Well he specifically mentioned pseudo code for an equation so that's why I did it like that. As far as I've ever seen there's no rules for pseudo code, but I understand your point. Usually when I do pseudo code (which is rare) I use sentence form, kind of like AppleScript.
 

cruzrojas

macrumors member
Mar 26, 2007
67
0
USA
I kinda like the idea of right handed assignment statements. I have vague memories of some language that does it. a + b -> c

I can even see uses for a programming language that would accept assigning a value to an equation. Constrain a and b such that their sum is c. Each would then be an array of possible values.

On a Texas Instrument calculator you set values to your variables in this way. The language used by this calculators is similar to BASIC.
 

bousozoku

Moderator emeritus
Jun 25, 2002
16,120
2,397
Lard
I kinda like the idea of right handed assignment statements. I have vague memories of some language that does it. a + b -> c

I can even see uses for a programming language that would accept assigning a value to an equation. Constrain a and b such that their sum is c. Each would then be an array of possible values.

COBOL works math to the right, except for the COMPUTE statement:

Code:
ADD A TO B GIVING C.

It's also good for a pseudocode experience.

I wouldn't suggest using 1 character variable names, though, unless you're using a calculator.
 
Register on MacRumors! This sidebar will go away, and you'll see fewer ads.