Two correct routes can be compared by different criteria

One route may use fewer forward moves while another uses fewer turns. Check that both solve the task first, then apply the same stated cost rule rather than assuming shortest means best in every context.

Two paths can succeed while using different numbers of turns.

Decide what the comparison counts

Apply the same cost rule to both solutions. Counting moves for one route and all commands for another would produce an inconsistent comparison.

Check both reach the goal. Count defined actions. Compare constraints.

Which criterion decides here? Compare prepared traces.

Shorter is only better when that criterion matters.

Resources

• Draw the Robot’s Grid Route – Open-Ended Drawing Worksheet — Use the route drawing as a spatial planning prompt; add your command key separately.

Further reading

• CS Unplugged — Kidbots and algorithm activities
• Australian Curriculum Version 9 — Technologies overview

Read next

• Test the value on the boundary of the sorting rule
• The same commands can finish differently from different starts
• Forward means the way the robot faces

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