Evaluate the expression when the value of x = 4: x *= --x + x++ + x;

x = 40

Expand the shorthand: x *= ... means x = x * (...). The x on the LEFT of the * is read first, while x is still 4. Now the bracket, left to right: --x : prefix, so x becomes 3 and 3 is used x++ : postfix, so 3 is used and then x becomes 4 x : now 4, so 4 is used total = 3 + 3 + 4 = 10 Finally x = 4 * 10 = 40. The whole question rests on one rule: prefix changes the variable then uses it, postfix uses it then changes it. Write the running value of x beside each term as you go and mistakes disappear.