[Solved] Examine the code below. What is the logical error that causes incorrect results for some inputs? def rangeBitwiseAnd(left:... What is the logical error that causes incorrect results for some inputs? | Bit Manipulation

Bit Manipulation - Bitwise AND of Numbers Range

Examine the code below. What is the logical error that causes incorrect results for some inputs?

def rangeBitwiseAnd(left: int, right: int) -> int:
    while left != right:
        left >>= 1
        right >>= 1
    return left << 1

AThe function should return <code>left | right</code> instead of shifting

BThe loop condition should be <code>left < right</code> instead of <code>left != right</code>

CThe final left shift is by 1 instead of the number of shifts performed

DThe function does not handle negative numbers

Step-by-Step Solution

Solution:

Step 1: Analyze loop
The loop right shifts left and right until they are equal, but does not count how many shifts occurred.
Step 2: Check return statement
The return shifts left left by 1, regardless of how many shifts happened.
Step 3: Identify bug
Correct approach requires shifting back by the total number of shifts, not just 1.
Final Answer:
Option C -> Option C
Quick Check:
Missing shift count causes wrong results [OK]

Quick Trick: Count shifts, then shift back by that count [OK]

Common Mistakes:

MISTAKES

Trap Explanation:

PITFALL

Interviewer Note:

CONTEXT

Master "Bitwise AND of Numbers Range" in Bit Manipulation

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More Bit Manipulation Quizzes

Examine the code below. What is the logical error that causes incorrect results for some inputs?