Assignment operators in C - Cheat Sheet & Quick Revision

Recall & Review

beginner

What is the purpose of the assignment operator (=) in C?

The assignment operator (=) is used to store a value into a variable. It copies the value on the right side into the variable on the left side.

beginner

Explain the shorthand assignment operator += with an example.

The operator += adds the right value to the left variable and then assigns the result back to the left variable. For example, x += 3; means x = x + 3;.

beginner

List three common shorthand assignment operators in C.

Three common shorthand assignment operators are:<br>1. += (add and assign)<br>2. -= (subtract and assign)<br>3. *= (multiply and assign)

intermediate

What happens if you write a = b = 5; in C?

This assigns the value 5 to variable b first, then assigns the value of b (which is 5) to variable a. Both a and b will have the value 5.

intermediate

Can assignment operators be used with non-numeric types in C?

Yes, assignment operators can be used with any assignable type, such as characters, pointers, and structs (with some restrictions). The = operator copies the value from right to left.

What does the expression x *= 4; do in C?

A Divides x by 4 and stores the result in x

B Assigns 4 to x

C Multiplies x by 4 and stores the result in x

D Adds 4 to x and stores the result in x

The operator *= multiplies the variable by the right value and assigns the result back to the variable.

Which operator assigns the value on the right to the variable on the left?

A !=

B ==

C +=

D =

The single equals sign (=) is the assignment operator in C.

What is the result of int a = 2; a += 3;?

A a is 5

B a is 6

C a is 3

D a is 2

The += operator adds 3 to a (which is 2), so a becomes 5.

What does the statement c = a = 10; do?

A Assigns 10 to a only

B Assigns 10 to both a and c

C Assigns 10 to c only

D Causes a syntax error

Assignment operators can be chained. 10 is assigned to a, then a's value is assigned to c.

Which operator subtracts and assigns in one step?

A -=

B +=

C *=

D /=

The -= operator subtracts the right value from the left variable and assigns the result back.

Explain how shorthand assignment operators work and give two examples.

Think about how operators combine math and assignment in one step.

Describe what happens when assignment operators are chained in a statement.

Remember that assignment returns a value that can be assigned again.