Write an algorithm to display the total water bill charges of the month depending upon the number of units consumed by the customer as per the following criteria:
- for the first 100 units @ 5 per unit
- for next 150 units @ 10 per unit
- more than 250 units @ 20 per unit Also add meter charges of 75 per month to calculate the total water bill.
Algorithm to Calculate Water Bill Charges
Step 1: INPUT the number of units consumed by the customer (let's call it 'units').
Step 2: Check the value of units and calculate the bill amount:
- IF units is less than or equal to 100, THEN calculate bill = units × 5
- ELSE IF units is less than or equal to 250, THEN calculate bill = () + ((units - 100) × 10)
- ELSE (for units more than 250), calculate bill = () + () + ((units - 250) × 20)
Step 3: Add meter charges of 75 to the bill amount: total_bill = bill + 75
Step 4: OUTPUT the total water bill charges for the month.
Step 5: END the algorithm.
This algorithm uses decision making to select the appropriate billing slab based on the units consumed. The meter charges of 75 are fixed and added at the end to compute the final bill.
Explanation
This question tests the student's ability to write algorithms using conditional statements. The algorithm must handle three different billing slabs: first 100 units at ₹5/unit, next 150 units (101-250) at ₹10/unit, and units beyond 250 at ₹20/unit. The meter charge of ₹75 is a fixed addition. Students should understand that for units exceeding 250, all three slabs apply cumulatively - they cannot skip the first two slabs. The algorithm follows a sequential structure with embedded decision-making (IF-ELSE-IF) to determine which calculation to apply based on the input value.
Solution Steps
Step 1: Accept units consumed as input
Step 2: Apply conditional logic to determine billing slab
Step 3: Calculate bill based on applicable rates for each slab
Step 4: Add fixed meter charges of 75
Step 5: Display the total water bill