GATE CSE 2024 Session 1 Q18: Output of a C while loop with integer division

Consider the following C program:

#include <stdio.h>
int main(){
   int a = 6;
   int b = 0;
   while(a < 10) {
      a = a / 12 + 1;
      a += b;}
   printf("%d", a);
   return 0;}

Which one of the following statements is CORRECT?

Try it: multiple choice: exactly one correct option

Wrong answer costs 1/3 mark in GATE.

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Answer: C (official GATE 2024 final answer key)

Concept used: Integer division truncates toward zero.

First step: Trace one iteration: $6/12 = 0$ , so $a$ becomes 1, and $b$ stays 0.

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Source: official GATE 2024 Session 1 CS question paper and final answer key, organised by IISc Bangalore. Question paper · Answer key