What does the line 'result = 0' accomplish in the multiply function?

• A. It initializes the accumulator to zero before repeated addition.
• B. It sets the sign of the result.
• C. It cancels the loop after first iteration.
• D. It divides the result by two.

Answer: (C)

Initializing an accumulator to zero before the loop that performs multiplication by repeated addition is the key idea. In this approach, you add one operand to the running total as many times as the other operand indicates. Starting at zero ensures the final result equals the product of the two numbers. If you started with any other value, the final total would be offset and incorrect. For example, to compute 3 times 4, you add 3 to the running total four times: 0 + 3 + 3 + 3 + 3 = 12. The line setting result to zero does not set a sign, cancel the loop, or divide the result; those would require separate logic or operations.