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Sequence of input numbers

Hello you more experienced programmers,
I am learning c++ programming on my free time, and now I have the following problem:
User is prompted to enter five numbers. The program should determine the highest value and lowest value of user’s input. Additionally, the program should determine the sequence of input numbers (i.e. ascending order, descending order, or no order). Everything else is working fine but no matter in which order I input the numbers the message displays, “ Numbers are in ascending order”. Any advice?

#include <iostream>

using namespace std;

int main()
{

int userInput; //number from user
int lowest_value = 9999999; 
int highest_value = 0;

bool ascending = true;
bool descending = true;

for(int i=1;i<=5; i++) //loop 5 times
{
cout<<"Enter your number:  ";
cin>>userInput;
//determine lowest and highest values
 if ( userInput < lowest_value )
 {
  lowest_value = userInput;
 }
 if ( userInput > highest_value )
 {
  highest_value = userInput;
 }
//determine if numbers are in ascending order,in descending order or in no order
    if(i <= i-1 && ascending == 1) {
            ascending = 0;
        }
    if (i >= i-1 && descending == 1){
        descending = 0;
    }
} // end loop
 cout <<"Lowest number is  " <<lowest_value <<endl;
 cout <<"Highest number is  " <<highest_value <<endl;

if (ascending == 1){
  cout <<"Numbers are in ascending order" <<endl;
}
else if (descending == 1){
  cout <<"Numbers are in descending order" <<endl;
}
else{
    cout <<"Numbers are in no order" <<endl;
}
return 0;
}

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Infinity08

Isn't this the same question as here :

https://www.experts-exchange.com/questions/26860961/C-How-to-find-the-highest-and-lowest-value-of-user-inputs.html

If not, what's different ? What is it that you need advice about ?

ozo

i <= i-1 is always false
and i >= i-1 is always true.
neither are affected at all by userInput

Mathilda10

ASKER

Infinity08,
this is not the same exercise. I need advice on how to determine the sequence of user's input numbers (i.e. if the numbers are in ascending, descending, or in no order).

Infinity08

>> I need advice on how to determine the sequence of user's input numbers (i.e. if the numbers are in ascending, descending, or in no order).

If you compare each entered value with the previous entered value, you can see if it's smaller, bigger or the same. If for each entered value, it is smaller than the previous one, then the numbers are descending. If for each entered value, it is bigger than the previous one, then the numbers are ascending. Otherwise the numbers have an indetermined ordering.

preraksheth

You are probably using wrong variable in deciding whether ascending or descending. Use userInput instead of i to decide the order. It should work

Mathilda10

ASKER

Thank you preraksheth!
I changed part of the code as:
//determine if numbers are in ascending order,in descending order or in no order
if (i>1);
if(userInput <= i-1 && ascending == 1) {
ascending = 0;
}
if (userInput >= i-1 && descending == 1){
descending = 0;
}
i+1;

and now the program displays the correct message for numbers that are in ascending order and for numbers that are in no order. However, when I enter the numbers is descending order, the message displays "Numbers are in no order." Any advice?

ozo

Try numbers greater than 5 in descending order

ozo

or try numbers greater than 5 in ascending order, and numbers less than 0 in descending order

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preraksheth

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Mathilda10

ASKER

Thank you, I will change my code.

Mathilda10

ASKER

I did change the code as you suggested but am still gettig the wrong displays. Maybe the reason for it is the last part of my code:
if (ascending == 1){
cout <<"Numbers are in ascending order" <<endl;
}
else if (descending == 1){
cout <<"Numbers are in descending order" <<endl;
}
else{
cout <<"Numbers are in no order" <<endl;
}

I guess I need to modify the above code and ,hopefully, will get the right results.

ozo

You are making it unnecessarily complicated.
A descending sequence will change lowest_value each time.
So a non descending sequence will leave lowest_value unchanged at least once.

Mathilda10

ASKER

Yes, you are right ozo: I think I make this “unnecessarily complicated”. And I think that I should not try to learn C++ on my own; I should sign up for a C++ class. I understand the rules for the expert's postings: you guys are not allowed to help people with their school homework/projects. Since I am not asking any advice with my school assignments, I think I am in a wrong forum. I talked with my friend who is experienced with C++ and he pointed me to the right direction (free of charge).
Thank you all for your comments and advice, I really appreciate your time and effort.