The correct method signature is public int max(int... numbers). This is the proper varargs syntax in Java, where the ellipsis (three dots) after the data type indicates that the method can accept zero or more integer arguments, which are then automatically packed into an array inside the method body. On the Oracle Java Foundations 1Z0-811 exam, this question tests your understanding of variable-length argument lists and their correct declaration—a common trap is confusing varargs with array parameters or placing the varargs parameter anywhere other than the last position in the signature. Remember that the ellipsis must come directly after the type and before the parameter name, with no spaces or brackets. A helpful memory tip: think of the three dots as meaning "and so on," signaling that any number of arguments can follow, but only at the end of the parameter list.
1Z0-811 Arrays and Methods Practice Question
This 1Z0-811 practice question tests your understanding of arrays and methods. 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 a method that takes a variable number of integer arguments and returns the maximum. Which method signature is correct?
Answer the question above first, then reveal the full breakdown to understand why each option is right or wrong.
Correct answer & explanation
✓
public int max(int... numbers)
Option B is correct because the varargs syntax `int... numbers` allows a method to accept zero or more integer arguments, which are then treated as an array inside the method. This is the standard Java syntax for variable-length argument lists, enabling the developer to pass any number of `int` values and compute the maximum.
Key principle: Answer the scenario, not the keyword: identify the specific constraint before choosing the most familiar-sounding option.
Answer analysis
Option-by-option breakdown
For each option: why learners choose it and why it is or isn't the right answer here.
✗
public int max(int[]... numbers)
Why it's wrong here
This is a varargs of int arrays, which would accept multiple arrays, not individual integers.
✓
public int max(int... numbers)
Why this is correct
Varargs allows zero or more arguments, and inside the method it is treated as an array of int.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
✗
public int max(int numbers)
Why it's wrong here
This accepts only a single int, not a variable number.
✗
public int max(int[] numbers)
Why it's wrong here
This signature accepts an array, but not variable arguments directly; calling max(1,2,3) without an array literal is not allowed.
Common exam traps
Common exam trap: answer the scenario, not the keyword
Oracle often tests the distinction between varargs (`int...`) and array parameters (`int[]`), trapping candidates who think they are interchangeable without understanding that varargs allows passing individual values directly while an array parameter requires explicit array creation.
Detailed technical explanation
How to think about this question
Under the hood, the varargs `int... numbers` is syntactic sugar for an array parameter (`int[] numbers`), but the compiler automatically creates the array from the passed arguments. A subtle behavior is that varargs must be the last parameter in the method signature, and only one varargs parameter is allowed. In real-world scenarios, this is commonly used in utility methods like `Math.max` or custom aggregation functions where the number of inputs is unknown at compile time.
KKey Concepts to Remember
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
Find the constraint that changes the correct option.
Eliminate answers that are true in general but not in this case.
TExam Day Tips
→Watch for words such as best, first, most likely and least administrative effort.
→Review why wrong options are wrong, not only why the correct option is correct.
Key takeaway
Answer the scenario, not the keyword: identify the specific constraint before choosing the most familiar-sounding option.
Real-world example
How this comes up in practice
A small business has 20 workstations on the 192.168.1.0/24 network and one public IP from its ISP. The router uses PAT (NAT overload) so all 20 devices share one public address using different source ports. NAT questions test whether you understand the four address terms and which direction each translation applies.
What to study next
Got this wrong? Here's your next step.
Identify which exam domain this question belongs to, review the core concept, then practise similar questions from the same domain.
Arrays and Methods — This question tests Arrays and Methods — Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer..
What is the correct answer to this question?
The correct answer is: public int max(int... numbers) — Option B is correct because the varargs syntax `int... numbers` allows a method to accept zero or more integer arguments, which are then treated as an array inside the method. This is the standard Java syntax for variable-length argument lists, enabling the developer to pass any number of `int` values and compute the maximum.
What should I do if I get this 1Z0-811 question wrong?
Identify which exam domain this question belongs to, review the core concept, then practise similar questions from the same domain.
What is the key concept behind this question?
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
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Question Discussion
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