Consider the following C function definition. int f(int x, int y) for (int i=0; i Which of the following statements is/are TRUE about the above function? A) If the inputs are x=20, y=10, then the return value is greater than 220 B) If the inputs are x=20, y=20, then the return value is greater than 220 C) If the inputs are x=20, y=10, then the return value is less than 210 D) If the inputs are x=10, y=20, then the return value is greater than 220

Official answer: B) If the inputs are x=20, y=20, then the return value is greater than 220; D) If the inputs are x=10, y=20, then the return value is greater than 220. Explanation: In each iteration of the loop, the value of x is updated as: xk = 2xk-1 + y Adding y to both sides gives a geometric progression: xk + y = 2(xk-1 + y) After y iterations (since the loop runs y times): xy + y = 2y (x0 + y) xy = 2y (x0 + y) - y Let us evaluate each option using this recurrence relation: - (A) and (C) with x = 20, y = 10: return value = 210(20 + 10) - 10 = 30 1024 - 10 = 30710 Since 30710 210 = 1024, statement (C) is FALSE. - (B) with x = 20, y = 20: return value = 220(20 + 20) - 20 = 40 220 - 20 Since 40 220 - 20 > 220, statement (B) is TRUE. - (D) with x = 10, y = 20: return value = 220(10 + 20) - 20 = 30 220 - 20 Since 30 220 - 20 > 220, statement (D) is TRUE. Hence, the correct options are B and D.

A) If the inputs are x=20, y=10, then the return value is greater than 220

B) If the inputs are x=20, y=20, then the return value is greater than 220

C) If the inputs are x=20, y=10, then the return value is less than 210

D) If the inputs are x=10, y=20, then the return value is greater than 220

Programming and Data Structures · Programming in C

Official IIT answer key · IISc Bangalore · Audited Aug 2026

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GATE CSE 2024 Set 1 Q48 · MSQ · 2 marks

Consider the following C function definition. `int f(int x, int y) { for (int i=0; i<y; i++) { x=x+x+y; } return x; }` Which of the following statements is/are TRUE about the above function?

Select one or more options

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Programming in C

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How GATE tests Programming in C

In GATE CS, Programming in C is tested extensively through rigorous code tracing, pointer mechanics, and fundamental semantics rather than high-level syntax trivia. Questions emphasize pointer arithmetic and multidimensional array decay, storage classes (especially static local variables), evaluation order, side effects of increment/decrement operators, parameter passing mechanisms (pass-by-value vs pass-by-reference), and recursive program state tracking. The topic features a nearly balanced split between NAT and MCQ items across 1-mark and 2-mark categories, demanding precise, bug-free execution traces without a compiler.

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Programming and Data Structures · Programming in C

Official IIT answer key · IISc Bangalore · Audited Aug 2026

Take topic test

GATE CSE 2024 Set 1 Q48 · MSQ · 2 marks

Consider the following C function definition. `int f(int x, int y) { for (int i=0; i<y; i++) { x=x+x+y; } return x; }` Which of the following statements is/are TRUE about the above function?

Select one or more options

Key concept

Programming in C

Step-by-step verified solution

Examiner trap & misconception

Topic notes

How GATE tests Programming in C

Full Programming in C guide →

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All 74 questions on Programming in C →

Independent practice explanation verified by the GateAI team. GATE is conducted by the IITs; question text follows the official paper.

Consider the following C function definition. `int f(int x, int y) { for (int i=0; i<y; i++) { x=x+x+y; } return x; }` Which of the following statements is/are TRUE about the above function?

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Consider the following C function definition. `int f(int x, int y) { for (int i=0; i<y; i++) { x=x+x+y; } return x; }` Which of the following statements is/are TRUE about the above function?

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Consider the following C function definition. int f(int x, int y) { for (int i=0; i<y; i++) { x=x+x+y; } return x; } Which of the following statements is/are TRUE about the above function?

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Consider the following C function definition. int f(int x, int y) { for (int i=0; i<y; i++) { x=x+x+y; } return x; } Which of the following statements is/are TRUE about the above function?

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Consider the following C function definition. `int f(int x, int y) { for (int i=0; i<y; i++) { x=x+x+y; } return x; }` Which of the following statements is/are TRUE about the above function?

Consider the following C function definition. `int f(int x, int y) { for (int i=0; i<y; i++) { x=x+x+y; } return x; }` Which of the following statements is/are TRUE about the above function?