C++ overload resolution on integral and floating return types: which overload is called and what is printed? #include<iostream.h> long GetNumber(long int Number) { return --Number; } float GetNumber(int Number) { return ++Number; } int main() { int x = 20; int y = 30; cout << GetNumber(x) << " "; cout << GetNumber(y); return 0; }

Introduction / Context:
This question probes C++ overload resolution and shows that the best match is chosen based on parameter types, not on return types. Two overloads of GetNumber differ in their parameter types: one takes long int, the other takes int.

Given Data / Assumptions:

• Both calls pass an int argument (x and y).
• The int overload pre-increments and returns a float.
• The long int overload pre-decrements and returns a long.

Concept / Approach:
C++ prefers an overload that requires no promotion or conversion for the parameter. Passing an int exactly matches GetNumber(int); selecting the long overload would require an integral promotion. Therefore, GetNumber(int) is called for both x and y, incrementing each before returning. The floating return type prints as a whole number with default formatting when the value is integral.

Step-by-Step Solution:
1) GetNumber(x) chooses the int overload: returns ++20 → 21 (as float). 2) GetNumber(y) chooses the int overload: returns ++30 → 31 (as float). 3) cout prints “21 31”.

Verification / Alternative check:
If x were explicitly cast to long, e.g., GetNumber((long)x), you would invoke the decrementing overload and see 19.

Why Other Options Are Wrong:
19 31 mixes different overloads; 20 30 ignores pre-increment; 21 29 decrements the second value; “Compile-time error” is incorrect because overload resolution is unambiguous.

Common Pitfalls:
Thinking return type participates in overload resolution (it does not) and overlooking that both calls use the same overload.

Final Answer:
21 31