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."
This 1Z0-811 practice question tests your understanding of primitives, strings and operators. Read the scenario carefully and evaluate each option against the stated constraints before committing to an answer. After answering, compare your reasoning against the explanation and wrong-answer breakdown below. Once you have made your selection, read the full explanation to reinforce the concept and understand why each distractor is designed to mislead on exam day.
A developer writes the following code:
int a = 5; int b = 2;
double result = a / b; System.out.println(result);
What is the output?
2.5
Why wrong: Integer division truncates, so a/b = 2, not 2.5
2.0
Integer division yields 2, then assigned to double becomes 2.0
Compilation fails
Why wrong: Code compiles and runs fine
2
Why wrong: The variable is double, so output includes decimal point
Answer choices
Answer the question above first, then reveal the full breakdown to understand why each option is right or wrong.
Correct answer & explanation
2.0
Option B is correct because 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.
Key principle: Answer the scenario, not the keyword: identify the specific constraint before choosing the most familiar-sounding option.
Answer analysis
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 yields 2, then assigned to double becomes 2.0
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
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
Common exam traps
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.
Trap categories for this question
Command / output trap
The variable is double, so output includes decimal point
Detailed technical explanation
Under the hood, Java's binary numeric promotion does not apply to integer division; instead, the JVM performs integer division using the idiv instruction, which discards the remainder. This behavior is defined by JLS §15.17.2, and it can lead to subtle bugs in real-world scenarios like calculating averages or percentages where floating-point division is expected but integer division is inadvertently used.
Key takeaway
Answer the scenario, not the keyword: identify the specific constraint before choosing the most familiar-sounding option.
Real-world example
A practitioner preparing for the 1Z0-811 exam encounters this exact type of scenario on the job. The correct answer here is not the most general option — it is the best answer for the specific constraint described. Answer the scenario, not the keyword: identify the specific constraint before choosing the most familiar-sounding option. Real exam questions reward reading the full scenario before eliminating options, because the constraint defines which answer fits.
What to study next
Identify which exam domain this question belongs to, review the core concept, then practise similar questions from the same domain.
Primitives, Strings and Operators — study guide chapter
Learn the concepts, then practise the questions
Primitives, Strings and Operators practice questions
Targeted practice on this topic area only
All 1Z0-811 questions
509 questions across all exam domains
Oracle Java Foundations 1Z0-811 study guide
Full concept coverage aligned to exam objectives
1Z0-811 practice test guide
How to use practice tests most effectively before exam day
Related practice questions
Use these pages to review the topic behind this question. This is how one missed question becomes focused revision.
Practise 1Z0-811 questions linked to What is Java.
Practise 1Z0-811 questions linked to Java Basics and Syntax.
Practise 1Z0-811 questions linked to Primitives, Strings and Operators.
Practise 1Z0-811 questions linked to Control Flow and Loops.
Practise 1Z0-811 questions linked to Arrays and Methods.
Practise 1Z0-811 questions linked to Object-Oriented Programming.
Practise 1Z0-811 questions linked to Exception Handling and Development Tools.
Practise 1Z0-811 questions linked to 1Z0-811 fundamentals.
Practise 1Z0-811 questions linked to 1Z0-811 scenario.
Practise 1Z0-811 questions linked to 1Z0-811 troubleshooting.
Practice this exam
Short sessions build daily habit. Longer sessions build exam-day stamina. Try a timed session to simulate real conditions.
FAQ
Primitives, Strings and Operators — This question tests Primitives, Strings and Operators — Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer..
The correct answer is: 2.0 — Option B is correct because 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.
Identify which exam domain this question belongs to, review the core concept, then practise similar questions from the same domain.
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
About these practice questions
Courseiva creates original exam-style practice questions with explanations and wrong-answer analysis. It does not publish real exam questions, exam dumps, or protected exam content. Learn why practice questions differ from exam dumps →
Same concept, more angles
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);
mediumWhy B: Option B is correct because 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);
easyWhy C: Option C is correct because 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?
easyWhy A: Option A is correct because 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.
Keep practising
Last reviewed: Jun 30, 2026
This 1Z0-811 practice question is part of Courseiva's free Oracle certification practice question bank. Courseiva provides original exam-style practice questions with explanations, topic-based practice, mock exams, readiness tracking, and study analytics to help learners prepare for the 1Z0-811 exam.
Question Discussion
Share a tip, memory trick, or ask about the reasoning behind this question. Do not post real exam questions, leaked content, braindumps, or copyrighted exam material. Comments are moderated and may be removed without notice.
Sign in to join the discussion.