How to Write Pseudocode for Accepting Three Subject Marks and Calculating Total and Average

In this article, we will explore how to write pseudocode to accept input for three subject marks and calculate the total and average marks. Pseudocode is a high-level description of an algorithm that is easily understandable by humans before it is converted into programming languages like Python, Java, or C . This article provides a clear and concise understanding of the process involved.

Pseudocode Structure

Before diving into the specifics, it is important to understand the structure of pseudocode. Pseudocode is a written form of an algorithm that uses natural language with mathematical symbols and instructions. It is not a specific programming language, but a way to plan out an algorithm before implementing it in a specific language. The structure of pseudocode typically includes the following components:

Header: This is where you define the purpose of the pseudocode or the problem it aims to solve. Body: This is the main part of the algorithm, where you describe the steps to be executed. Ending: This marks the end of the pseudocode and often includes a summary of the output or the result of the execution.

Create a Pseudocode for Calculating Total and Average Marks

Here is a step-by-step guide to create pseudocode for accepting three subject marks and finding the total and average marks:

Declare variables: Start by declaring the variables that will hold the subject marks and the total and average marks. Input subject marks: Read the input for the three subject marks from the user. Calculate total marks: Compute the total of the three subject marks. Calculate average marks: Compute the average of the three subject marks by dividing the total marks by 3. Output result: Display the total and average marks to the user.

Example Pseudocode

Begin
strongDeclare/strong variables for subject1, subject2, subject3, total_marks, and average_marks
Read input for subject1
Read input for subject2
Read input for subject3
Compute total_marks  subject1   subject2   subject3
Compute average_marks  total_marks / 3
Display the total_marks and average_marks
End

Let's break down the pseudocode step-by-step:

Begin: This marks the start of the pseudocode. Declare variables: Here, we declare the variables that will be used in the algorithm. These variables will hold the values of the three subject marks, the total marks, and the average marks. Read input: We prompt the user to input the three subject marks and store them in the respective variables. Compute total marks: The total marks are calculated by adding the three subject marks. Compute average marks: The average is calculated by dividing the total marks by 3. Display the result: The total and average marks are displayed to the user. End: This marks the end of the pseudocode.

Simpler Pseudocode: A Human-Readable Approach

Alternatively, we can simplify the pseudocode in a more human-readable manner:

Ask for three numbers: Prompt the user to enter three numbers and store them in variables a, b, and c. Calculate average: Calculate the average by adding the three numbers and dividing by 3. Output result: Display the calculated average to the user.

This simplified version of pseudocode is easy to understand and follows natural language, making it suitable for beginners and non-programmers.

Example:

Ask user “Enter 3 numbers” - a, b, c
average  (a   b   c) / 3
Show average

Conclusion

Creating pseudocode is a useful first step in problem-solving and programming. It helps in planning and clarifying the logic before implementing the actual code. Whether you're a beginner or an experienced programmer, understanding the process of creating pseudocode will enhance your problem-solving skills and improve your coding efficiency.