Question 136 of 481
Integer Division in Java: Why Does 5/2 Equal 2.0?
A developer writes the following code:
int a = 5; int b = 2;
double result = a / b; System.out.println(result);
What is the output?
Quick Answer
The correct answer is 2.0. This output occurs because in Java, when both operands of the division operator are integers, the operation performs integer division, which truncates the fractional part entirely before any assignment happens. Here, 5 divided by 2 yields 2, and that integer result is then implicitly widened to a double when stored in the variable result, producing 2.0. On the Oracle Java Foundations 1Z0-811 exam, this question tests your understanding of primitive type promotion and the critical distinction between integer and floating-point division—a common trap for beginners who expect 2.5. The exam often pairs this with similar scenarios involving mixed types, so remember that integer division in Java always discards the remainder. A handy memory tip: "Integer division is a floor for positives—it drops the decimal, no rounding."
⚠ Common exam trap
Oracle often tests the distinction between integer and floating-point division, and the trap here is that candidates mistakenly assume that assigning the result to a double variable will cause the division to be performed in floating-point, when in fact the type of the operands determines the operation, not the target variable.
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
✓
2.0
In Java, when both operands of the division operator are integers (int), the operation performs integer division, which truncates the fractional part. Here, a (5) divided by b (2) yields 2, and then the result is implicitly widened to double when assigned to the variable result, producing 2.0.
Answer analysis
Option-by-option breakdown
For each option: why learners choose it and why it is or isn't the right answer here.
- ✗
2.5
Why it's wrong here
Integer division truncates, so a/b = 2, not 2.5
- ✓
2.0
Why this is correct
Integer division in Java truncates the fractional part, so `a / b` computes `5 / 2 = 2` as an `int`. The result is then implicitly widened to `double` during assignment, yielding `2.0`. This satisfies the constraint that both operands are `int`, causing the division operator to perform integer arithmetic before the widening conversion.
- ✗
Compilation fails
Why it's wrong here
Code compiles and runs fine
- ✗
2
Why it's wrong here
The variable is double, so output includes decimal point
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Same concept, more angles
3 more ways this is tested on 1Z0-811
These questions test the same concept from different angles. Work through them to make sure you can recognise it however the exam phrases it.
Variation 1. What is the result of the following code snippet? int a = 5; int b = 2; double c = (double) (a / b); System.out.println(c);
medium- A.2
- ✓ B.2.0
- C.Compilation error
- D.2.5
Why B: The expression `(a / b)` performs integer division, resulting in 2 (since both a and b are ints). The cast `(double)` is applied to the result of that integer division, converting the integer 2 to 2.0. The output is therefore 2.0.
Variation 2. What is the result of the following code snippet? int x = 5; int y = 2; double z = x / y; System.out.println(z);
easy- A.3.0
- B.2
- ✓ C.2.0
- D.2.5
Why C: In Java, when both operands of the division operator are integers (int), the operation performs integer division, which truncates the fractional part. Here, x / y = 5 / 2 = 2 (integer division), and then the result is implicitly widened to double when assigned to z, producing 2.0.
Variation 3. Given the code snippet: int x = 5; int y = 2; double result = x / y; What is the value of result?
easy- ✓ A.2.0
- B.Compilation fails
- C.2.5
- D.2
Why A: In Java, when both operands of the division operator are integers (int), integer division is performed, which truncates the fractional part. Here, x / y evaluates to 5 / 2 = 2 (integer division), and then the int value 2 is implicitly widened to double 2.0 when assigned to the double variable result.
Last reviewed: Jun 30, 2026
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