Answer
Use a void function with reference parameters, such as:
void getData(int& count, float& cost);
Solution
The best function declaration for obtaining both the number of items and the cost per item from a user is:
```cpp
void getData(int& count, float& cost);
```
### Explanation:
1. **Pass by Reference (`int& count, float& cost`):**
- **Purpose:** By passing parameters by reference, the function can modify the original variables provided by the caller. This is essential when you want the function to "return" multiple values.
- **Usage:** Inside the `getData` function, you can directly assign values to `count` and `cost`, and these changes will be reflected outside the function.
2. **`void` Return Type:**
- **Reasoning:** Since the function's primary purpose is to modify the input parameters, it doesn't need to return any value. Using `void` makes this intention clear.
### Why Other Options Are Less Suitable:
1. **`void getData(int count, float cost);`**
- **Issue:** Parameters are passed by value, meaning the function works with copies. Changes to `count` and `cost` inside the function won't affect the original variables.
2. **`int getData(float cost);`**
- **Issue:** This declaration only allows for one parameter and returns an `int`, which doesn't align with the requirement to obtain both `count` and `cost`.
3. **`int, float getData();`**
- **Issue:** This is not valid syntax in C++. A function cannot return multiple values directly in this manner.
### Example Implementation:
```cpp
#include
void getData(int& count, float& cost) {
std::cout << "Enter the number of items: ";
std::cin >> count;
std::cout << "Enter the cost per item: ";
std::cin >> cost;
}
int main() {
int itemCount;
float itemCost;
getData(itemCount, itemCost);
std::cout << "You entered " << itemCount << " items at $" << itemCost << " each.\n";
return 0;
}
```
In this example, `getData` successfully modifies `itemCount` and `itemCost` based on user input, demonstrating the effectiveness of passing parameters by reference.
**Answer:**
Use a void function with reference parameters, such as
void getData(int& count, float& cost);
Reviewed and approved by the UpStudy tutoring team
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