problem #1
~~~~~~~~~~
using the mid$ statement, construct a program that will give the following
output for any given string (ex. a$="probability")

  probability
  robability
  obability
  bability
  ability
  bility
  ility
  lity
  ity
  ty
  y

(* one thing to look for in judging the program is the use of the len(a$), this
   insures that the contest has a general knowledge of good structure in that
   it would allow the program to work on any size of A$ or rather any word *)

PROBLEM #2
~~~~~~~~~~
write an interactive program that will take in the length and width of a lot
in feet and calculate the number of acreas in the lot.  keeping in mind that
there are 43,560 ft per acrea.  output should be given to the screen and the
printer.

(* we found the most difficult part of this program is for the students to have
   passed algebra I or II successfully enough to write an equation to do the
   conversions necessary.this proved to be difficult for some of the
   contestants.  i was rather disappointed in this, but..... *)

problem #3
""""""""""
with the following input data, calculate a discount of 15% off of each item
and and then display the output with the name of the items followed bythe
new price.

  input data -
               items              price
              """"""""""""       """"""""
               bread               1.05
               coffee              3.23
               dog food           12.99
               cereal              4.23    (* etc..etc.. *)

  output data -
               Items           discounted price
              """"""""""""    """"""""""""""""""
               bread             ##.##
               coffee
               dog food
               cereal

(* this is a rather good program as it tests the students knowledge of
   how to use DATA statements and his ability at using the 'print using'
   statements.  we had some really good solutions and some really bad
   solutions.  Also the ability to calculate the discounted price in one
   line with out having to create 2 million variables to get it and then
   print out the amount of the discount rather than the 'new' price. *)



.