convertDecimalToOctal()

Step 1: Understanding the Problem

Before diving into writing code, we first need to understand the purpose of the function we're about to write. The function convertDecimalToOctal should take a decimal number as input and convert it to octal (base 8) representation. Octal conversion is a common task in computer science and digital electronics, as it provides a more compact way to represent binary data.

Step 2: Initial Function Setup

In JavaScript, we first need to set up the function. The function takes a decimal number as an argument. Let's name our function convertDecimalToOctal and expect a parameter decimalNumber. Our blank function setup should look like this:

function convertDecimalToOctal(decimalNumber) {
  // code to be added here
}

Step 3: Converting Decimal to Octal

JavaScript provides a built-in method for converting decimal to octal: the toString() method. The toString() method converts a number to a string. Optionally, it accepts a single argument indicating the base to use for representing numeric values.

We need to convert our decimal number to base 8, so we pass 8 as the parameter to toString(). Like this:

function convertDecimalToOctal(decimalNumber) {
  let octalNumber = decimalNumber.toString(8);
  // code to be added here
}

Step 4: Returning Results

Now, our octalNumber variable holds the octal representation of our input number. The last step is to return this value from our function.

function convertDecimalToOctal(decimalNumber) {
  let octalNumber = decimalNumber.toString(8);
  return octalNumber;
}

Conclusion

You have now successfully written a JavaScript function that converts decimal numbers to octal. Here is the final look at the function:

function convertDecimalToOctal(decimalNumber) {
  let octalNumber = decimalNumber.toString(8);
  return octalNumber;
}

You can use this function by passing a decimal number, and it would return an Octal representation of the input.

Remember, the toString() method is a powerful JavaScript function that converts a number to a string in JavaScript. Not just octal, you can also use other bases like 2 for binary, 16 for hexadecimal by changing the base in toString(base).