Ticket Price Calculator: Age-Based Conditional Logic in C++

In this C++ exercise, you will create a program that calculates the price of a ticket based on the age of the user. Different age groups are often charged different prices for events, transportation, or attractions. This program helps simulate such a pricing system.

This task enhances your understanding of input handling, conditional logic, and control structures in C++. By the end of the exercise, you'll be comfortable using if-else statements to create dynamic behaviors based on user input.

Core Concepts

Conditional Logic

Using if-else if ladders allows the program to evaluate multiple conditions in sequence until a match is found for the user's age.

Range Validation

Combined logical operators like && (AND) ensure that the age falls strictly within the defined boundaries for each price bracket.

Pro Tip: Order Matters!

When using if-else if, always arrange your conditions logically. Checking ranges from youngest to oldest (or vice versa) prevents logical overlaps and bugs.

Objectives

1. Prompt the user to enter their age.
2. Determine the price: 0-4 (Free), 5-17 ($5), 18-64 ($10), 65+ ($6).
3. Use an else block to handle invalid (negative) age inputs.
4. Display the final ticket price formatted with a dollar sign.

Example C++ Code

ticket_pricing.cpp Source Code

#include <iostream>

using namespace std;

int main() {
    int age;
    int ticketPrice;

    cout << "Enter your age: ";
    cin >> age;

    // 1. Evaluate age using conditional structures
    if (age >= 0 && age <= 4) {
        ticketPrice = 0;  // Children under 5 are free
    } else if (age >= 5 && age <= 17) {
        ticketPrice = 5;  // Minors pay $5
    } else if (age >= 18 && age <= 64) {
        ticketPrice = 10; // Adults pay $10
    } else if (age >= 65) {
        ticketPrice = 6;  // Seniors pay $6
    } else {
        // 2. Handle invalid input
        cout << "Invalid age entered." << endl;
        return 1;
    }

    // 3. Output results
    cout << "Your ticket price is: $" << ticketPrice << endl;

    return 0;
}

Console Output:

Enter your age: 70
Your ticket price is: $6

Keywords & Concepts

Objectives

Example C++ Code

Console Output:

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