C if–else chain and statement termination: Identify the compilation error in this program with a missing semicolon. #include <stdio.h> int main() { int x = 30, y = 40; if (x == y) printf("x is equal to y "); else if (x > y) printf("x is greater than y "); else if (x < y) printf("x is less than y ") return 0; }

Introduction / Context:
This item checks attention to C statement syntax. Each expression statement must end with a semicolon, including calls to printf. Missing terminators commonly cause confusing parser errors near subsequent lines.

Given Data / Assumptions:

• Three-branch if–else chain compares x and y.
• The final printf lacks a trailing semicolon.

Concept / Approach:
In C, a function call used as a statement is an expression statement and must end with ;. Omitting it results in a syntax error, often reported as “expected ‘;’ before ‘return’” or “statement missing”. The logic of comparisons is otherwise fine.

Step-by-Step Solution:
Locate printf("x is less than y\n") → no semicolon.Parser therefore merges the next line into the same statement and fails.Add ; to fix: printf("x is less than y\n");

Verification / Alternative check:
Recompile after adding the semicolon; the program will run and print exactly one of the three messages based on values.

Why Other Options Are Wrong:
Expression syntax is vague; the specific, conventional diagnostic is a missing statement terminator. Lvalue/Rvalue required do not apply to a function call.

Common Pitfalls:
Forgetting semicolons on single-line conditionals; misreading the compiler’s error location when it points to return or the line after the offending call.

Final Answer:
Error: Statement missing