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. 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.
Refer to the exhibit.
```
int[] numbers = {1, 2, 3, 4, 5};
int sum = 0;
for (int i = 0; i < numbers.length; i++) {
if (numbers[i] % 2 == 0) {
continue;
}
sum += numbers[i];
}
System.out.println(sum);
```What is the output?
Refer to the exhibit.
```
int[] numbers = {1, 2, 3, 4, 5};
int sum = 0;
for (int i = 0; i < numbers.length; i++) {
if (numbers[i] % 2 == 0) {
continue;
}
sum += numbers[i];
}
System.out.println(sum);
```9
Sum of odd numbers 1+3+5=9.
15
Why wrong: That is the sum of all numbers.
10
Why wrong: Incorrect sum.
6
Why wrong: That is the sum of even numbers.
Answer choices
Answer the question above first, then reveal the full breakdown to understand why each option is right or wrong.
Correct answer & explanation
9
The correct answer is 9 because the code uses a post-decrement operator in the while loop condition. The variable `x` starts at 10, and the condition `x-- > 0` evaluates to true for x=10, then decrements x to 9, prints 9, and continues until x becomes 0, printing 9, 8, 7, 6, 5, 4, 3, 2, 1. The last printed value is 1, but the question asks for the output of the first print statement, which is 9.
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.
9
Why this is correct
Sum of odd numbers 1+3+5=9.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
15
Why it's wrong here
That is the sum of all numbers.
10
Why it's wrong here
Incorrect sum.
6
Why it's wrong here
That is the sum of even numbers.
Common exam traps
The trap here is that candidates often forget that the post-decrement operator uses the original value in the condition before decrementing, leading them to think the first printed value is 10 instead of 9.
Detailed technical explanation
The post-decrement operator `x--` evaluates the current value of x before decrementing. In the while loop condition `x-- > 0`, when x=10, the condition is true, then x becomes 9, and the print statement outputs 9. This behavior is defined in the Java Language Specification (JLS §15.15.2) for postfix decrement. Understanding the difference between pre-decrement (`--x`) and post-decrement (`x--`) is critical for loop control and off-by-one errors in real-world applications like array traversal or countdown timers.
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 1Z0-829 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. 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
Controlling Program Flow — This question tests Controlling Program Flow — Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer..
The correct answer is: 9 — The correct answer is 9 because the code uses a post-decrement operator in the while loop condition. The variable `x` starts at 10, and the condition `x-- > 0` evaluates to true for x=10, then decrements x to 9, prints 9, and continues until x becomes 0, printing 9, 8, 7, 6, 5, 4, 3, 2, 1. The last printed value is 1, but the question asks for the output of the first print statement, which is 9.
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 11, 2026
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