Edexcel D1 2019 June — Question 4 15 marks

Exam BoardEdexcel
ModuleD1 (Decision Mathematics 1)
Year2019
SessionJune
Marks15
PaperDownload PDF ↗
Mark schemeDownload PDF ↗
TopicSorting Algorithms
TypeQuick Sort Execution
DifficultyModerate -0.8 This is a standard D1 algorithm execution question requiring mechanical application of well-practiced procedures (bin packing, quick sort) with minimal problem-solving. Part (e) requires some algebraic reasoning about lower bounds, but the overall question is routine textbook material that tests recall and careful execution rather than mathematical insight.
Spec7.03k Sorting: quick sort7.03l Bin packing: next-fit, first-fit, first-fit decreasing, full bin

4. $$\begin{array} { l l l l l l l l l l l } 25 & 9 & 32 & 16 & 17 & 23 & 18 & 12 & 4 & 8 & 40 \end{array}$$ The numbers in the list represent the weights, in kilograms, of eleven suitcases. The suitcases are to be transported in containers that will each hold a maximum weight of 50 kg .
  1. Calculate a lower bound for the number of containers needed. You must make your method clear.
  2. Use the first-fit bin packing algorithm to allocate the suitcases to the containers.
  3. Carry out a quick sort to produce a list of the weights in descending order. You should show the result of each pass and identify your pivots clearly.
  4. Use the first-fit decreasing bin packing algorithm to allocate the suitcases to the containers. The two heaviest suitcases are replaced with two suitcases both of which weigh \(x \mathrm {~kg}\). It is given that the lower bound for the number of containers needed is now one less than the number found in (a).
  5. Determine the range of values for \(x\). You should make your working clear.

4.

$$\begin{array} { l l l l l l l l l l l } 
25 & 9 & 32 & 16 & 17 & 23 & 18 & 12 & 4 & 8 & 40
\end{array}$$

The numbers in the list represent the weights, in kilograms, of eleven suitcases. The suitcases are to be transported in containers that will each hold a maximum weight of 50 kg .
\begin{enumerate}[label=(\alph*)]
\item Calculate a lower bound for the number of containers needed. You must make your method clear.
\item Use the first-fit bin packing algorithm to allocate the suitcases to the containers.
\item Carry out a quick sort to produce a list of the weights in descending order. You should show the result of each pass and identify your pivots clearly.
\item Use the first-fit decreasing bin packing algorithm to allocate the suitcases to the containers.

The two heaviest suitcases are replaced with two suitcases both of which weigh $x \mathrm {~kg}$. It is given that the lower bound for the number of containers needed is now one less than the number found in (a).
\item Determine the range of values for $x$. You should make your working clear.
\end{enumerate}

\hfill \mbox{\textit{Edexcel D1 2019 Q4 [15]}}