In a language such as Java or C, which of the following type casts correctly converts an integer variable named amount to a value of type double?

Difficulty: Easy

Correct Answer: (double) amount

Explanation:


Introduction / Context:
In many programming languages like C, C plus plus, and Java, you often need to convert a value from one numeric type to another. A common case is converting an integer to a double so that arithmetic can be performed in floating point. This question asks which syntax correctly performs such a cast for a variable named amount, assuming typical C style casting.



Given Data / Assumptions:

  • The variable amount is declared as an integer type.
  • We want to treat amount as a double when performing calculations.
  • The language uses C style casts with the type name in parentheses, such as (double) amount.
  • We assume standard syntax, not pseudocode like int to double.


Concept / Approach:
In C style languages, the usual casting syntax places the target type inside parentheses before the expression. For example, (double) amount converts the integer value to a double. Other written forms such as int to double are informal phrases, not valid syntax. Some languages also allow function like casts such as static_cast in modern C plus plus, but the classic style uses (type) expression. Therefore, the correct answer is the one that matches this pattern with double as the target type and amount as the expression.



Step-by-Step Solution:
Step 1: Remember that the target type appears in parentheses before the variable or expression in a cast. Step 2: We want a double result from an integer variable named amount, so we need (double) amount. Step 3: Option d exactly matches this pattern, with the type double in parentheses followed by amount. Step 4: Option a uses words int to double inside parentheses, which is not valid syntax in C style languages. Step 5: Option b presents a phrase int (amount) to double, which is not recognized by the compiler. Step 6: Option c and option e also use English like phrases instead of correct cast syntax.


Verification / Alternative check:
If you write a simple program and declare int amount = 10; double result = (double) amount; the compiler accepts this and result becomes 10.0 in floating form. Removing the cast would cause implicit conversion in many languages, but the explicit cast (double) amount is a clear and correct example. Trying to compile phrases such as int to double(amount) will result in errors because they do not follow the formal grammar of the language.



Why Other Options Are Wrong:
Options a, b, c, and e all mix English words such as to with type names and parentheses in ways that are not supported by the language syntax. None of them match the standard pattern (type) expression. As a result, they would cause compiler errors and do not correctly convert amount to a double.



Common Pitfalls:
Beginners sometimes confuse the way they describe casts in speech with the way they must write them in code. It is fine to say convert int to double when explaining an idea, but in code you must use strict syntax such as (double) amount or corresponding safe cast functions. Another pitfall is forgetting that casting changes how the compiler interprets the value, not the underlying literal characters.



Final Answer:
The correct cast is (double) amount, which appears in option d.

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