What functions are performed by the ALU? Is it an independent unit?

Q. What functions are performed by the ALU ? Is it an independent unit ? If not, which unit does ALU work in coordination with ?

Answer :-

The ALU performs all the four arithmetic (+, -, *, /) and some logical (<, >, =, <=, >=, !=) operations. When two numbers are required to be added, these numbers are sent from memory to ALU where addition takes place and the result is put back in the memory. In the same way, other arithmetic operations are performed (through ALU only).

For logical operations also, the numbers to be compared are sent from memory to ALU where the comparison takes place and the result is returned to the memory. The result of a logical operation is either TRUE or FALSE. These operations provide the capability of decision-making to the computer.

Yes, It is an independent unit.