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Consider the following code snippet that finds the single number in an array using XOR. What is the value of result after processing the third element in the input [2, 3, 2]?

easy🧾 Code Trace Q12 of Q15

Bit Manipulation - Single Number (XOR Self-Cancellation)

Consider the following code snippet that finds the single number in an array using XOR. What is the value of result after processing the third element in the input [2, 3, 2]?

A3

B1

C0

D2

Step-by-Step Solution

Step 1: Trace result after first element (2)
result = 0 · 2 = 2
Step 2: Trace result after second element (3)
result = 2 · 3 = 1
Step 3: Trace result after third element (2)
result = 1 · 2 = 3
Final Answer:
Option A -> Option A
Quick Check:
Final XOR result is 3, the unique element [OK]

Quick Trick: XOR accumulates unique element progressively [OK]

Common Mistakes:

MISTAKES

Off-by-one in loop iteration
Confusing XOR with addition
Misreading variable updates

Trap Explanation:

PITFALL

Candidates often confuse intermediate XOR values or stop tracing early.

Interviewer Note:

CONTEXT

Checks candidate's ability to mentally execute XOR logic step-by-step.

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