CPST1203 Activity #4: Flow chart
In this activity, students will prepare a flowchart (or flowcharts) depicting the possible outcomes of each potential answer to a logic problem.
The Problem
Three crates of fasteners have been delivered to a job site. They are labelled “Nuts,” “Bolts,” and “Nuts and Bolts.” In a sense, the order is correct: there is one crate containing only bolts, one containing only nuts, and one containing a mix of the two.
Unfortunately, all three crates are labelled incorrectly. In the interest of efficiency, is it possible to identify the contents of each crate after taking only one object out of only one crate? Explain your reasoning.
In past sessions of CPST1203, many students have solved this problem correctly. However, there are two common errors that other students have made:
Some students answer “no,”concluding that it is not possible to identify the contents of the crates with only one draw.In fact, it is quite possible!
Some students assert an answer that relies on luck: for two of the crates, you might be able to solve the problem if and only if you draw a particular item; if the other item is drawn, you’re stuck!
Instructions You are not going to make the mistakes that some students have made, because in this activity you will prepare one or more flowcharts showing all possible outcomes if an item is drawn from each of the three crates. Only one of the crates will lead to a solution whether a nut is drawn or a bolt is drawn. Two of the crates will have potential failure states.Submit your flowchart(s)in PDF format, or in common image formats (e.g. JPEG or PNG).
Hints
Because all three crates are mis-labelled, if you can correctly identify one crate, you can identify the other two by process of elimination. Remember: I’ve told you that “it’s impossible”is not the answer, so you’ve only got three options at the start.
Evaluation
The same activity criteria—Writing,Organization,and Accuracy—will be used. “Writing”will cover the clarity, concision, and consistency of the text on your symbols. Organization will cover the clarity and layout of the flowchart itself.
