OCR J277: Python Coding Challenges

Question 1: Basic Input and Arithmetic [3 marks]

A cinema charges £10 for adult tickets and £5 for child tickets. Write a Python program that:

• Asks the user to input the number of adult tickets required.
• Asks the user to input the number of child tickets required.
• Calculates and prints the total cost.

Question 2: Selection [4 marks]

A teacher wants a program to grade a recent test out of 50. Write a Python program that:

• Takes the student's test score as an input.
• Outputs "Distinction" if the score is 40 or above.
• Outputs "Merit" if the score is between 30 and 39 (inclusive).
• Outputs "Pass" if the score is between 20 and 29 (inclusive).
• Outputs "Fail" if the score is below 20.

Question 3: Iteration and Strings [4 marks]

Write a Python program that asks the user to input a single word. The program should loop through the word and count how many times the letter "a" (lowercase) appears. It should then output the final count.

Question 4: Arrays (Lists) and Aggregation [5 marks]

An array contains the following daily temperatures: temps = [12, 15, 14, 18, 11].

Write a Python program that iterates through this array to:

• Calculate the total sum of the temperatures.
• Find the highest temperature in the array.
• Output both the total sum and the highest temperature.

Question 5: Robust Validation Loop [6 marks]

A system requires a user to set a secure PIN. Write a Python program that:

• Continually asks the user to enter a new PIN.
• Checks that the PIN is exactly 4 characters long.
• If the PIN is not 4 characters long, outputs an error message and loops back to ask again.
• If the PIN is valid, outputs "PIN accepted" and stops the loop.