- A
"equal"
Why wrong: This is incorrect because 'equal' would only be returned if a == b, but a=5 and b=10 are not equal.
- B
"greater"
Why wrong: This is incorrect because 'greater' would require a > b, but 5 > 10 is false.
- C
Compilation error
Why wrong: This is incorrect. The code compiles successfully; there is no type mismatch because the ternary operator is right-associative and the second operand of the outer ternary is the inner ternary, which returns a String.
- D
"less"
This is correct. The expression evaluates to 'less' because a=5 is less than b=10.
Question 113 of 519
1Z0-829 Ternary Operator Precedence Practice Question
This 1Z0-829 practice question tests your understanding of controlling program flow. Read the scenario carefully and evaluate each option against the stated constraints before committing to an answer. A key principle to apply: ternary Operator Precedence. 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.
Given: int a=5, b=10; String result = (a > b) ? "greater" : (a < b) ? "less" : "equal"; What is result?
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
✓
"less"
The ternary operator is right-associative, so the expression is parsed as `a > b ? "greater" : (a < b ? "less" : "equal")`. Since `a=5` and `b=10`, `a > b` is false, so the second operand of the outer ternary is evaluated: `a < b` is true, so the inner ternary returns `"less"`. The code compiles and runs without error, producing `"less"`.
Key principle: Ternary Operator Precedence
Answer analysis
Option-by-option breakdown
For each option: why learners choose it and why it is or isn't the right answer here.
- ✗
"equal"
Why it's wrong here
This is incorrect because 'equal' would only be returned if a == b, but a=5 and b=10 are not equal.
- ✗
"greater"
Why it's wrong here
This is incorrect because 'greater' would require a > b, but 5 > 10 is false.
- ✗
Compilation error
Why it's wrong here
This is incorrect. The code compiles successfully; there is no type mismatch because the ternary operator is right-associative and the second operand of the outer ternary is the inner ternary, which returns a String.
- ✓
"less"
Why this is correct
This is correct. The expression evaluates to 'less' because a=5 is less than b=10.
Related concept
Ternary Operator Precedence
Common exam traps
Common exam trap: answer the scenario, not the keyword
Candidates may think the expression causes a compilation error due to misinterpretation of grouping, but Java's right-associativity ensures it works correctly. The trap is to recognize that nested ternaries are valid and the precedence yields the expected result.
Detailed technical explanation
How to think about this question
The ternary operator is right-associative, meaning nested ternaries are grouped from right to left. In Java, the second and third operands of a ternary must be convertible to a common type; here both are `String`, so no compilation error occurs. This pattern is often used for concise conditional assignments, but overuse can harm readability; in real-world code, an `if-else` or `switch` expression is preferred for clarity.
KKey Concepts to Remember
- Ternary Operator Precedence
- Type Compatibility
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
Ternary Operator Precedence
Real-world example
How this comes up in practice
A practitioner preparing for the 1Z0-829 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. Ternary Operator Precedence Real exam questions reward reading the full scenario before eliminating options, because the constraint defines which answer fits.
What to study next
Got this wrong? Here's your next step.
Review ternary Operator Precedence, then practise related 1Z0-829 questions on the same topic to reinforce the concept.
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FAQ
Questions learners often ask
What does this 1Z0-829 question test?
Controlling Program Flow — This question tests Controlling Program Flow — Ternary Operator Precedence.
What is the correct answer to this question?
The correct answer is: "less" — The ternary operator is right-associative, so the expression is parsed as `a > b ? "greater" : (a < b ? "less" : "equal")`. Since `a=5` and `b=10`, `a > b` is false, so the second operand of the outer ternary is evaluated: `a < b` is true, so the inner ternary returns `"less"`. The code compiles and runs without error, producing `"less"`.
What should I do if I get this 1Z0-829 question wrong?
Review ternary Operator Precedence, then practise related 1Z0-829 questions on the same topic to reinforce the concept.
What is the key concept behind this question?
Ternary Operator Precedence
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Last reviewed: Jun 25, 2026
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