AP CSP Day 43: Procedure Parameters & Return

February 3, 2026

Big Idea 3

Day 43 Practice

Focus: Procedure Parameters & Return

Practice Question

A procedure is defined as:

PROCEDURE mystery(x, y)
{
    IF (x > y)
    {
        RETURN x
    }
    ELSE
    {
        RETURN y
    }
}

What does mystery(5, 8) return?

Why This Answer?

The procedure returns the larger of two values. Since 8 > 5, it returns 8 (the maximum).

Why Not the Others?

A) 5 is smaller, so not returned.

C) The procedure returns max, not sum.

D) Parameters are valid integers.

Common Mistake

Watch Out!

Misreading the IF condition. x > y is false (5 > 8 is false), so ELSE executes, returning y.

AP Exam Tip

Trace through conditionals carefully. Check which branch executes based on the condition.

Daily practice builds AP CSP mastery.