Java Math max() example

In this guide, you will learn about the Math max() method in Java programming and how to use it with an example.

1. Math max() Method Overview

Definition:

The max() method of Java's Math class is used to return the greater of two numbers provided as arguments.

Syntax:

There are overloaded four max() methods:
1. Math.max(int a, int b)
2. Math.max(double a, double b)
3. Math.max(float a, float b)
4. Math.max(long a, long b)

Parameters:

- a and b: Two numbers of which the larger one will be returned. These can be of type int, double, float, or long.

Key Points:

- If either of the arguments is NaN, then the result will be NaN.

- The comparison is based on value, not on the data type. Hence, -0.0 is considered smaller than 0.0.

- The method is overloaded to support different data types.

2. Math max() Method Example

public class MaxExample {
    public static void main(String[] args) {
        System.out.println("Max of 42 and 58: " + Math.max(42, 58));
        System.out.println("Max of 42.5 and 42: " + Math.max(42.5, 42));
        System.out.println("Max of -42 and -58: " + Math.max(-42, -58));
        System.out.println("Max of NaN and 42: " + Math.max(Double.NaN, 42));
        System.out.println("Max of -0.0 and 0.0: " + Math.max(-0.0, 0.0));
    }
}

Output:

Max of 42 and 58: 58
Max of 42.5 and 42: 42.5
Max of -42 and -58: -42
Max of NaN and 42: NaN
Max of -0.0 and 0.0: 0.0

Explanation:

In the example:

1. Between the numbers 42 and 58, 58 is the maximum.

2. The maximum between 42.5 (double) and 42 (int) is 42.5.

3. For negative numbers -42 and -58, the number -42 is greater.

4. If any of the arguments is NaN, the result will be NaN.

5. For -0.0 and 0.0, since -0.0 is considered smaller, 0.0 is returned.

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