(SEM D) THEORY EXAMINATION 2018-19 PROGRAMMING FOR PROBLEM SOLVING

This is the complete B.Tech 1st Semester Programming for Problem Solving (C Language) question paper designed as per the latest 100-mark university exam structure. The paper is fully aligned with the syllabus and tests the student’s knowledge of C programming concepts, algorithms, operators, functions, loops, arrays, pointers, strings, structures, file handling, and computer fundamentals.

The paper is divided into Section A, Section B, Section C, covering short-answer, medium-answer, and long-answer analytical questions.
This question paper is highly valuable for AKTU B.Tech 1st-year students, helping them prepare efficiently for university exams and viva.

SECTION A – Short Answer Questions (10 × 2 = 20 Marks)

This section examines fundamental concepts of C programming and computer basics:

Compiler vs Interpreter

Characteristics of a good algorithm

Scope & lifetime of variables

Recursive function to calculate factorial

How break statement works

Precedence & associativity in expressions

Syntax vs logical errors

Arrays vs linked lists

Linked list structure (self-referential structs)

Difference between structure & union

Memory hierarchy of a computer

These questions help strengthen conceptual clarity and fundamentals.

SECTION B – Descriptive Questions (Attempt Any 3 × 10 = 30 Marks)

Searching Algorithms

Linear search & binary search

Time complexity (O(n), O(log n))

C Program – Steel Grade System

Based on hardness, carbon content & tensile strength
→ Outputs grade from 5 to 10.

Call by Value vs Call by Reference

Algorithm + C program to swap two numbers using reference

Understanding of parameter passing

Selection Sort

Explanation

Algorithm

Sorting given list: 26, 54, 93, 17, 77, 31, 44, 55, 20

Preprocessor Directives

Macro Expansion

File Inclusion

These help students master coding logic & algorithm writing.

SECTION C – Long Questions (5 × 10 = 50 Marks)

Q3 – Computer Fundamentals / Data Types

Choose one:

Components of computer with block diagram + OS definition
OR

Data types in C, memory, format specifier & range

Q4 – Operators / Control Structures

Choose one:

Arithmetic operators with examples + precedence & associativity
OR

Switch case control structure + role of break statement

Q5 – Loops / Functions

Choose one:

Syntax of while, do-while, for + C program to multiply a 4×4 matrix
OR

Definition of function + how values pass between calling & called function

Q6 – ENUM, Strings & Time Complexity

Choose one:

Short notes on enumerated data type & string
OR

Order of complexity (Big-O notation) and various time complexities

Q7 – Dynamic Memory / Command-line Arguments

Choose one:

Dynamic Memory Allocation: malloc(), calloc(), realloc(), free() + lifetime of dynamically created variables
OR

Command-line arguments in C with example

These questions cover the most important high-weightage topics asked in AKTU examinations.