In C++ input and output using iostreams, which statement correctly allows the user to enter (read) a value from the keyboard into the variable named currentPay?

Introduction / Context:
User interaction in C++ commonly relies on the standard input and output streams provided by the iostream library. The statement used must correctly apply the stream extraction or insertion operators to move data between the keyboard buffer, the program, and the console. This question tests recognition of the proper operator direction for reading a value into a variable from the keyboard.

Given Data / Assumptions:

• The program includes the iostream header and uses the std::cin and std::cout streams.
• Variable currentPay has been declared with a suitable numeric type (for example, int, double, or long double).
• Default locale and formatting are assumed, and error handling is not explicitly shown.

Concept / Approach:
In C++, stream extraction with the operator >> pulls data from an input stream into a program variable. Conversely, stream insertion with the operator << sends data from a program expression to an output stream. For keyboard input, std::cin represents the standard input stream, typically connected to the console. Therefore the correct form to read a value is cin >> variable;. Using cout with >> or cin with << is a direction and stream mismatch and will not compile as intended.

Step-by-Step Solution:
Confirm the goal: move data from the keyboard into currentPay.Identify the correct stream: std::cin for input.Choose the correct operator: >> is the extraction operator for input streams.Write the statement: cin >> currentPay; which extracts the next token and stores it in currentPay.

Verification / Alternative check:
A simple test program that prints a prompt, executes cin >> currentPay;, and then echoes the value with cout << currentPay; will demonstrate correct input and output flow. If the operators or streams are reversed, the code will fail to compile or will not behave correctly.

Why Other Options Are Wrong:

• cin << currentPay; uses the insertion operator with an input stream, which is incorrect.
• cout << currentPay; outputs a value; it does not read input.
• cout >> currentPay; attempts to extract from an output stream, which is invalid.
• None of the above is wrong because cin >> currentPay; is correct.

Common Pitfalls:
Forgetting that >> is extraction and << is insertion, or confusing cout and cin. Also, not checking stream state after input can cause subtle bugs if the user enters data of the wrong type.

Final Answer:
cin >> currentPay;.