Java compound assignment operator: If x = 5 and y = 2, what is the value of x after executing x += y?

Introduction / Context:
Compound assignment operators in Java (like +=) combine an arithmetic operation with an assignment, improving code brevity while preserving type rules and evaluation order.

Given Data / Assumptions:

• Initial values: x = 5, y = 2 (integers).
• Statement: x += y which is equivalent to x = x + y.

Concept / Approach:
Evaluate x + y first, then store the result back into x. Since both x and y are ints, there is no implicit narrowing issue in this case.

Step-by-Step Solution:

Verification / Alternative check:
In Java, x += y is exactly equivalent to x = (type of x)(x + y); with both ints, this is the same as plain addition then assignment.

Why Other Options Are Wrong:

Common Pitfalls:

Final Answer: