Bit Manipulation - Sum of Two Integers Without + Operator
Consider the following iterative bitwise sum function to add two integers without using the '+' operator. What will be the output of
bitwiseSum(3, 5)?Consider the following iterative bitwise sum function to add two integers without using the '+' operator. What will be the output of bitwiseSum(3, 5)?
easy🧾 Trace Q3 of Q15
Step-by-Step Solution
Solution:
Step 1: Initialize variables
Set a = 3, b = 5.Step 2: Calculate sum without carry
Use XOR: 3 ^ 5 = 6.Step 3: Calculate carry
Use AND and shift: (3 & 5) << 1 = (1) << 1 = 2.Step 4: Repeat until carry is zero
Next iteration: a = 6, b = 2. XOR: 6 ^ 2 = 4, carry: (6 & 2) << 1 = 4. Next: a = 4, b = 4. XOR: 4 ^ 4 = 0, carry: (4 & 4) << 1 = 8. Next: a = 0, b = 8. XOR: 0 ^ 8 = 8, carry: 0. Loop ends.Final Answer:
Option D -> Option DQuick Check:
3 + 5 = 8 [OK]
Quick Trick: Use XOR for sum and AND+shift for carry [OK]
Common Mistakes:
MISTAKES- Confusing XOR with OR for sum calculation
- Not shifting the carry bits correctly
- Stopping before carry becomes zero
Trap Explanation:
PITFALL- Choosing OR instead of XOR looks plausible but yields wrong sums.
Interviewer Note:
CONTEXT- Tests understanding of iterative bitwise addition logic.
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