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FC0-U71 Practice Question: Given the following pseudocode that calculates…
Given the following pseudocode that calculates the average of a list of numbers, which error will occur?
SET total = 0 SET count = 0 FOR EACH number IN list total = total + number count = count + 1 ENDFOR SET average = total / count OUTPUT average
⚠ Common exam trap
The key distinction is that this code runs correctly for non-empty lists but fails at runtime when the list is empty. This tests the difference between syntax/logic errors and runtime errors that occur under specific conditions.
Answer choices
Why each option matters
Answer the question above first, then reveal the full breakdown to understand why each option is right or wrong.
Correct answer & explanation
✓
Runtime error
The pseudocode computes an average by dividing `total` by `count`. If the list is empty, `count` remains 0, and division by zero is a runtime error. This error occurs during execution, not during compilation or syntax checking, and is not a logic error because the code is logically correct for non-empty lists.
Answer analysis
Option-by-option breakdown
For each option: why learners choose it and why it is or isn't the right answer here.
- ✗
Compile-time error
Why it's wrong here
Pseudocode is not compiled, so compile-time error does not apply.
- ✗
Logic error
Why it's wrong here
A logic error would produce incorrect output, but division by zero causes a runtime error before output.
- ✗
Syntax error
Why it's wrong here
The pseudocode syntax is correct; no syntax error.
- ✓
Runtime error
Why this is correct
If the list is empty, division by zero causes a runtime error.
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