Exam-style question
Try this first
Explain the difference between lossless and lossy compression. Include one advantage and one disadvantage of each.
Model answer
What a good answer should say
- Lossless compression reduces the file size while preserving all of the original data, so the original file can be reconstructed exactly.
- Its advantage is that there is no loss of information or quality; its disadvantage is that it may not reduce the file size as much as lossy compression.
- Lossy compression permanently removes some data to achieve a smaller file.
- Its advantage is that it can produce a smaller file; its disadvantage is that quality may be reduced and the original file cannot be reconstructed exactly.
Explanation
Why this works
A complete answer must distinguish whether the original data can be recovered exactly. It should also link the trade-off to file size: lossless compression preserves data but may achieve less reduction, while lossy compression can achieve greater reduction at the cost of permanent data loss and possible quality reduction.
Common mistake
No common mistake is linked to this question yet.