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Identifying Partitions from Specification
publish date: 2026/06/17 05:49:39.229027 UTC
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A specification states: a method processes a list of student scores and returns a grade. Scores from 0 to 49 are Fail, 50 to 69 are Pass, 70 to 84 are Merit, and 85 to 100 are Distinction. Which set of equivalence partitions is most appropriate for testing this method?
Correct Answer
Five partitions: below 0 (invalid), 0-49, 50-69, 70-84, 85-100, above 100 (invalid)
Explanation
The specification defines four grade ranges, each of which constitutes a valid partition. Additionally, values below 0 and above 100 are invalid inputs forming two more partitions. This gives six total partitions (including two invalid ones). Testing should include representative values from each partition plus boundary values (e.g., -1, 0, 49, 50, 69, 70, 84, 85, 100, 101).
Reference
Software Engineering, Ian Sommerville, 10th edition