Parsons Problems

Drag and drop steps into the correct order

How to Solve Parsons Problems

The steps for each calculation are shown in the wrong order. Drag them into the correct sequence to complete the calculation. This helps you understand the method, not just memorise answers.

Problem 1: Calculate Text File Size

Put these steps in the correct order to calculate the file size of a 200-character ASCII text file.

Multiply: 200 × 8 = 1,600 bits

Count the number of characters: 200

Convert to bytes: 1,600 ÷ 8 = 200 bytes

Identify bits per character in ASCII: 8 bits

Drop steps here in order:

Problem 2: Compare ASCII and Unicode

Order these steps to explain why Unicode files are larger than ASCII files.

Conclusion: Unicode files are 2× larger but support all world languages

ASCII uses 8 bits (1 byte) per character

Both are character sets that assign binary codes to characters

Unicode uses 16 bits (2 bytes) per character minimum

Drop steps here in order:

Problem 3: Finding an ASCII Code

Order these steps to find the ASCII code for 'F' given that 'A' = 65.

F is the 6th letter of the alphabet

ASCII code for 'F' = 70

Calculate: 65 + 5 = 70 (add positions after A)

Start with the known code: 'A' = 65

Drop steps here in order:

Problem 4: Calculate Image File Size

Order these steps to calculate the size of a 1024×768 image with 24-bit colour depth.

Convert to bytes: 18,874,368 ÷ 8 = 2,359,296 bytes

Calculate total pixels: 1024 × 768 = 786,432 pixels

Identify the values: width=1024, height=768, colour depth=24

Convert to MB: 2,359,296 ÷ 1,000,000 ≈ 2.36 MB

Calculate total bits: 786,432 × 24 = 18,874,368 bits

Drop steps here in order:

Problem 5: Explain Colour Depth

Order these steps to explain how colour depth affects image quality and file size.

More bits = more possible colours (2^n colours)

Trade-off: Higher quality images require more storage

Colour depth is the number of bits used to store each pixel's colour

More colours = more realistic images but larger files

Common values: 1-bit (2 colours), 8-bit (256), 24-bit (16.7M)

Drop steps here in order:

Problem 6: Calculate Sound File Size

Order these steps to calculate the size of a 30-second mono audio file at 44.1kHz with 16-bit depth.

Convert to MB: 2,646,000 ÷ 1,000,000 ≈ 2.65 MB

Identify values: sample rate=44,100 Hz, bit depth=16, duration=30s

Calculate bits: 44,100 × 16 × 30 = 21,168,000 bits

Convert to bytes: 21,168,000 ÷ 8 = 2,646,000 bytes

Apply formula: Sample rate × Bit depth × Duration

Drop steps here in order:

Problem 7: Explain Sample Rate

Order these steps to explain how sample rate affects audio quality.

Higher sample rate = more accurate sound but larger files

Sample rate is measured in Hertz (Hz) - samples per second

Digital audio works by taking "snapshots" of sound waves

CD quality uses 44,100 Hz (44.1 kHz)

More samples = smoother, more accurate representation of the original sound

Drop steps here in order:

Problem 8: Stereo vs Mono

Order these steps to explain why stereo files are twice as large as mono.

Each channel stores a complete audio stream

Mono audio has one channel (one speaker)

Two channels = double the data = 2× file size

Stereo audio has two channels (left and right speakers)

Formula for stereo: multiply mono calculation by 2

Drop steps here in order:

Your Progress

Problem 1: Not attempted

Problem 2: Not attempted

Problem 3: Not attempted

Problem 4: Not attempted

Problem 5: Not attempted

Problem 6: Not attempted

Problem 7: Not attempted

Problem 8: Not attempted

← Trace Exercises Knowledge Quiz →