Instruction classification: ADD, CMP, and MUL belong to which category of instructions in common CPU instruction sets?

Introduction / Context:
Arithmetic instructions manipulate numeric values, influencing flags that guide conditional execution. This question asks you to place three well-known instructions into their correct category.

Given Data / Assumptions:

• ADD performs integer addition and sets flags like carry and zero as appropriate.
• CMP subtracts operands to set flags but discards the result, enabling comparisons.
• MUL multiplies operands and sets flags/expands results according to the ISA.

Concept / Approach:
All three affect numeric state or flags in a way tied to arithmetic semantics, so they are grouped under arithmetic rather than data movement or control flow.

Step-by-Step Solution:

Verification / Alternative check:
Instruction set documents categorize ADD/MUL/CMP with arithmetic/logic, distinct from data transfer and control operations.

Why Other Options Are Wrong:

Common Pitfalls:
Misclassifying CMP because it stores no result; its sole purpose is arithmetic comparison via flags.

Final Answer:
Arithmetic