Before entering a loop to compute a running total, the program should first
A) set the accumulator variable to an initial value, usually zero.
B) set all variables to zero.
C) read all the values into main memory.
D) know exactly how many values there are to total.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

It is important to set the accumulator variable to an initial value before entering the loop to ensure that the total starts at zero and is incremented accurately for each value within the loop. Setting all variables to zero would unnecessarily reset any previously assigned values, reading all the values into main memory may not be feasible or necessary, and knowing exactly how many values there are to total may not always be possible.

Before Entering a Loop to Compute a Running Total, the Program