Quick Answer
The answer is 18. This result is determined by the interplay of operator precedence and the specific timing of increment and decrement operations in Java. In the expression, multiplication has higher precedence than addition, so `--b * 2` is evaluated first: `--b` decrements b from 5 to 4 before using its value, yielding 4 * 2 = 8. Then, `a++` uses the current value of a (10) for the addition, giving 10 + 8 = 18, and only afterward does a increment to 11. On the Oracle Java Foundations 1Z0-811 exam, this tests your ability to distinguish between prefix (immediate change) and postfix (use-then-change) operators within a larger expression—a common trap is assuming all increments happen before arithmetic. A helpful memory tip: “Prefix first, postfix last; multiplication is faster than addition.”
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.
int a = 10; int b = 5; int c = a++ + --b * 2; System.out.println(c);
Refer to the exhibit. Given the code, what is the value printed to the console?
int a = 10; int b = 5; int c = a++ + --b * 2; System.out.println(c);
19
Why wrong: Incorrect: Possible if post-increment was applied after entire expression.
21
Why wrong: Incorrect: Would result if both a and b incremented before calculation.
18
Correct: Operator precedence and postfix/prefix evaluation yield 18.
20
Why wrong: Incorrect: Would result if multiplication was ignored or precedence reversed.
Answer choices
Answer the question above first, then reveal the full breakdown to understand why each option is right or wrong.
Correct answer & explanation
18
The correct answer is 18. The expression is evaluated as: a++ uses the value 10 then increments a to 11; --b decrements b to 4 then uses 4; multiplication has higher precedence, so 4 * 2 = 8; then addition 10 + 8 = 18. Option A is correct. Option B (19) would result if a++ was after expression (postfix applied later incorrectly). Option C (20) would result if no precedence (10+8 in wrong order). Option D (21) would result if both increments applied beforehand.
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.
19
Why it's wrong here
Incorrect: Possible if post-increment was applied after entire expression.
21
Why it's wrong here
Incorrect: Would result if both a and b incremented before calculation.
18
Why this is correct
Correct: Operator precedence and postfix/prefix evaluation yield 18.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
20
Why it's wrong here
Incorrect: Would result if multiplication was ignored or precedence reversed.
Common exam traps
Many certification questions include familiar terms but test a specific constraint. Read the exact wording before choosing an answer that is generally true but wrong for this case.
Detailed technical explanation
This question should be treated as a scenario, not a definition check. Identify the problem, the constraint and the best action. Then compare each option against those facts.
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 1Z0-811 exam domain this question belongs to, then review the specific concept being tested. Practise related questions in that domain and focus on understanding why each wrong answer is tempting — not just why the correct answer is right.
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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: 18 — The correct answer is 18. The expression is evaluated as: a++ uses the value 10 then increments a to 11; --b decrements b to 4 then uses 4; multiplication has higher precedence, so 4 * 2 = 8; then addition 10 + 8 = 18. Option A is correct. Option B (19) would result if a++ was after expression (postfix applied later incorrectly). Option C (20) would result if no precedence (10+8 in wrong order). Option D (21) would result if both increments applied beforehand.
Identify which 1Z0-811 exam domain this question belongs to, then review the specific concept being tested. Practise related questions in that domain and focus on understanding why each wrong answer is tempting — not just why the correct answer is right.
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
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Last reviewed: Jun 23, 2026
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