Evaluate bitwise precedence and grouping. For i = 4 and j = 8, what is printed by the following expression sequence using & (AND), ^ (XOR), and | (OR)? #include<stdio.h> int main() { int i = 4, j = 8; printf("%d, %d, %d\n", i | j & j | i, i | j & j | i, i ^ j); return 0; }

Difficulty: Medium

Correct Answer: 12, 12, 12

Explanation:


Introduction / Context:
The task tests operator precedence for bitwise operators in C: & has higher precedence than ^, which has higher precedence than |. Understanding this avoids accidental mis-grouping.


Given Data / Assumptions:

  • i = 4 (binary 0100), j = 8 (binary 1000).
  • Expression: i | j & j | i, evaluated twice, then i ^ j.


Concept / Approach:
Evaluate j & j first, then apply |. For XOR, evaluate directly. No parentheses are present, so rely on precedence rules (& before ^ before |) and left-to-right association within the same precedence level for | and ^.


Step-by-Step Solution:

j & j = 8 i | (j & j) | i = 4 | 8 | 4 = 12 Repeat same calculation for the second field -> 12 i ^ j = 4 ^ 8 = 12


Verification / Alternative check:
Compute using binary: 0100 | 1000 = 1100 (12); 0100 ^ 1000 = 1100 (12). Both confirm the same decimal result.


Why Other Options Are Wrong:

  • 112, 1, 12 and 32, 1, 12 and -64, 1, 12: These ignore precedence and invent unintended groupings or arithmetic.


Common Pitfalls:
Assuming all bitwise operators have the same precedence or that evaluation is strictly left-to-right without considering operator ranks. 


Final Answer:
12, 12, 12

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