In Java, wrapper conversions and numeric promotions: predict the output printed by this try-catch code.\n\ntry {\n Float f1 = new Float("3.0");\n int x = f1.intValue();\n byte b = f1.byteValue();\n double d = f1.doubleValue();\n System.out.println(x + b + d);\n} catch (NumberFormatException e) {\n System.out.println("bad number");\n}

Difficulty: Easy

Correct Answer: 9.0

Explanation:


Introduction / Context:
This Java snippet tests knowledge of wrapper classes, primitive extraction methods, and numeric promotion rules during arithmetic and string output. A Float object is created from the string literal "3.0" and then converted to int, byte, and double before being summed and printed inside a try-catch that targets NumberFormatException.



Given Data / Assumptions:

  • f1 is constructed as new Float("3.0").
  • x = f1.intValue() returns 3.
  • b = f1.byteValue() returns 3.
  • d = f1.doubleValue() returns 3.0.
  • System.out.println uses arithmetic addition because the first operator is numeric, not string concatenation.


Concept / Approach:
Autounboxing is not even required here because we explicitly call value methods. The expression x + b + d performs left-to-right evaluation with numeric promotion: int + byte becomes int, yielding 6, then 6 + double promotes to double, yielding 9.0. No parsing error occurs, so the catch block is not entered.



Step-by-Step Solution:

Evaluate x = 3.Evaluate b = 3.Evaluate d = 3.0.Compute x + b → 3 + 3 = 6 (int).Compute 6 + d → 6 + 3.0 = 9.0 (double).Print 9.0.


Verification / Alternative check:
If the code had used string concatenation like "" + x + b + d, the result would be the string "33.0". Because it starts with numeric types, Java performs arithmetic.



Why Other Options Are Wrong:

  • bad number: No NumberFormatException occurs for "3.0".
  • Compilation fails…: The code is syntactically valid.
  • 3.03.0: That would require string concatenation from the first operand.


Common Pitfalls:
Assuming string concatenation, or expecting NumberFormatException for a valid decimal string.



Final Answer:
9.0

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