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Real (floating point)
Term Y11 Programming Fundamentals
Definition
A number with a fractional part. Single-precision floating point stores a real in 32 bits (4 bytes).
Example: 'price = 19.95' is a real.
Found in: syllabus, 2025 HSC marking guidelines, sample exam and familiarisation guidelines, school notes, past SDD papers.
Where it is used in the test
Syllabus area: Y11 Programming Fundamentals.
Question types it can appear in
- Multiple choice: Pick the option that matches the definition or example.
- Fill in the blanks: Choose this term to complete a statement or table.
No past question in this bank is linked to this term yet. It can still be tested through the question types above.
Study links
- Flashcard: Real (floating point) in Programming Fundamentals (Year 11) · study that set
- Memorise: Data structures
How to use it in an answer
A model sentence
“A number with a fractional part.” Then apply it: 'price = 19.95' is a real.
In a short answer, give the definition in your own words first, then tie it to the situation in the question. Do not copy the example above unless it fits the scenario.
Technique for the question types
- Multiple choice: Read all four options, rule out wrong ones, pick one; no penalty for guessing so never leave blank.
- Fill in the blanks: Choose the right word from a list; use exact syllabus terms.
Common mistakes
- Use the term exactly as the syllabus words it, then link it to the scenario in the question; the 2025 feedback repeatedly rewards using the stimulus.
- Answer the command word: outline gives main points only, explain gives a reason or cause, discuss gives both sides.
Related terms
Same group in the syllabus: Binary (base 2) · Decimal (base 10) · Hexadecimal (base 16) · Two's complement · Character representation (ASCII, Unicode) · Data types · Integer · Boolean · Character and string · Date and time · Array · Multi-dimensional array · Record · List