Quick Answer
The correct answer is options B, C, and E. Option B produces the output '5' because the expression `2 + 3` performs integer addition, not string concatenation, resulting in the integer `5` which is then printed as its string representation. Option C prints the string literal `"5"` directly, while option E prints the integer literal `5` as a string. This distinction between string concatenation and addition is a core concept tested on the Oracle Java Foundations 1Z0-811 exam, where the `+` operator behaves differently depending on operand types: when both operands are numeric, it performs addition; when either is a String, it performs concatenation. A common trap is assuming `2 + 3` produces the string `"23"`, but without a String operand, it remains arithmetic addition. Remember the mnemonic: "Numbers add, Strings attach" — if no String is present, the plus sign adds.
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.
Which three of the following code snippets produce the output '5'?
System.out.println(2 + "3");
Why wrong: Concatenation gives "23".
System.out.println(2 + 3);
Prints 5 as int.
System.out.println("5");
Prints the string "5".
System.out.println("2" + 3);
Why wrong: Concatenation gives "23".
System.out.println(5);
Prints 5 as string.
Answer choices
Answer the question above first, then reveal the full breakdown to understand why each option is right or wrong.
Correct answer & explanation
System.out.println(2 + 3);
Option B is correct because the expression `2 + 3` performs integer addition, resulting in `5`, which is then passed to `System.out.println` and printed as the string representation of the integer `5`. Option C is correct because the string literal `"5"` is printed directly. Option E is correct because the integer literal `5` is printed as its string representation.
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.
System.out.println(2 + "3");
Why it's wrong here
Concatenation gives "23".
System.out.println(2 + 3);
Why this is correct
Prints 5 as int.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
System.out.println("5");
Why this is correct
Prints the string "5".
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
System.out.println("2" + 3);
Why it's wrong here
Concatenation gives "23".
System.out.println(5);
Why this is correct
Prints 5 as string.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
Common exam traps
The trap here is that candidates often forget that `+` with a `String` operand triggers concatenation, not arithmetic, leading them to incorrectly select options A or D as producing `5`.
Detailed technical explanation
In Java, the `+` operator is overloaded: when either operand is a `String`, it performs string concatenation rather than numeric addition. The Java Language Specification (JLS §15.18.1) defines that if only one operand is a `String`, the other is converted to a `String` via its `toString()` method (or `String.valueOf` for primitives). This behavior is a common source of confusion when mixing primitives and strings in expressions.
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
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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: System.out.println(2 + 3); — Option B is correct because the expression `2 + 3` performs integer addition, resulting in `5`, which is then passed to `System.out.println` and printed as the string representation of the integer `5`. Option C is correct because the string literal `"5"` is printed directly. Option E is correct because the integer literal `5` is printed as its string representation.
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.
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Last reviewed: Jun 25, 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.
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