SSC IMD SA 2017 – Question 194

After compiling the FORTRAN statement:
y = c/d + a*x**2-5
what will be the operator evaluated?

• /
• +
• *
• **

Detailed Explanation:

The correct answer is c) * [as per the official SSC answer key].

Expression Analysis:

$$y = c / d + a * x ** 2 – 5$$

Operator Hierarchy in FORTRAN:

• Level 1 (Highest): Exponentiation (**).
• Level 2: Multiplication (*) and Division (/) (evaluated left-to-right).
• Level 3 (Lowest): Addition (+) and Subtraction (-) (evaluated left-to-right).

Evaluation Sequence:

1. The sub-expression $x ** 2$ (exponentiation) is computed first.
2. Next, $c/d$ and $a * (x**2)$ are evaluated at the multiplication/division level.
3. Finally, additions and subtractions occur ($c/d + [a*x**2] – 5$).

Exam Key Note: In the official answer key of SSC IMD SA 2017, option c) * was designated as the key. Candidates should recognize that in standard compiler parse trees and precedence rules, ** has the highest precedence, followed by * and /, and then + and -.