Match C operators with their precedence (1 = highest, 4 = lowest): (A) ! (logical NOT), (B) < and > (relational), (C) * (multiplication), (D) = (assignment).

Introduction / Context:
Operator precedence in C determines how expressions are grouped without parentheses. Misunderstanding precedence leads to subtle logic errors. This item maps four widely used operators to an ordered precedence scale (1 = highest, 4 = lowest) consistent with standard C rules.

Given Data / Assumptions:

• (A) ! (unary logical NOT)
• (B) < and > (relational operators)
• (C) * (multiplication)
• (D) = (assignment)
• Scale: 1 highest priority … 4 lowest priority

Concept / Approach:

In C, unary operators (like !) bind tighter than multiplicative operators. Multiplicative operators (*, /, %) bind tighter than additive, relational, equality, logical, and assignment operators. Relational operators (<, >, <=, >=) have lower precedence than multiplicative but higher than assignment. The assignment operator = has among the lowest precedence.

Step-by-Step Solution:

Verification / Alternative check:

Check expression: a = b < c * d parses as a = (b < (c * d)), confirming * precedes relational, and relational precedes assignment; similarly !x * y parses as (!x) * y.

Why Other Options Are Wrong:

Any mapping that places relational above multiplicative or assignment above relational contradicts the C precedence table; placing ! below * is also incorrect.

Common Pitfalls:

Confusing precedence with associativity; assuming logical operators always evaluate last (only assignment is lower among this set).

Final Answer:

A-1, B-3, C-2, D-4