PCEP Practice Question: Data Types, Variables, Basic I/O and Operators
After 'x = 5; x += 3', what is the value of x?
⚠ Common exam trap
Candidates often confuse `+=` with simple assignment or with other operators like `*=` or `=`, leading them to pick the original value, the right operand alone, or a product instead of the sum.
Answer choices
Why each option matters
Answer the question above first, then reveal the full breakdown to understand why each option is right or wrong.
Correct answer & explanation
✓
8
The compound assignment operator `+=` adds the right operand to the current value of the variable and assigns the result back. Starting with `x = 5`, the statement `x += 3` is equivalent to `x = x + 3`, which computes `5 + 3 = 8` and stores it in `x`.
Answer analysis
Option-by-option breakdown
For each option: why learners choose it and why it is or isn't the right answer here.
- ✗
5
Why it's wrong here
x is incremented by 3.
- ✓
8
Why this is correct
5 + 3 = 8.
- ✗
3
Why it's wrong here
That would be the value added, not the result.
- ✗
15
Why it's wrong here
That would be x *= 3.
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