AP CSP Day 24: Speedup Calculation

Big Idea 3: Algorithms & Programming
Cycle 1 • Day 24 Practice • Medium Difficulty
Focus: Boolean Logic

Practice Question

For which of the following values of x does the expression (x > 5) AND (x < 10) evaluate to true?
Why This Answer?

For AND to be true, both conditions must be true simultaneously. When x = 7: 7 > 5 is true AND 7 < 10 is true. Both conditions are satisfied, so the expression is true.

Why Not the Others?

A) x = 3: 3 > 5 is false. Since AND requires both to be true, the expression is false. C) x = 10: 10 < 10 is false (strict inequality). B) x = 5: 5 > 5 is false (strict inequality, not ≥).

Common Mistake
Watch Out!

Students include boundary values like 5 and 10, confusing strict inequalities (> and <) with non-strict ones (≥ and ≤). The boundary values are excluded with strict operators.

AP Exam Tip

Pay close attention to > versus ≥ and < versus ≤. Boundary values are the most common source of errors on inequality questions.

Keep Practicing!

Consistent daily practice is the key to AP CSP success.

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