In Java, applying bitwise NOT to 5 yields which value?

In Java, applying bitwise NOT to 5 yields which value?

• A. -6
• B. -5
• C. 5
• D. 6

Answer: (A)

Bitwise NOT flips every bit in the value. In Java, int is a 32-bit signed two’s complement number. The binary for 5 is 00000000 00000000 00000000 00000101. Flipping all bits yields 11111111 11111111 11111111 11111010, which is -6 in two’s complement representation. A handy way to see it is ~x = -x - 1, so ~5 = -5 - 1 = -6.

Bitwise NOT flips every bit in the value. In Java, int is a 32-bit signed two’s complement number. The binary for 5 is 00000000 00000000 00000000 00000101. Flipping all bits yields 11111111 11111111 11111111 11111010, which is -6 in two’s complement representation. A handy way to see it is ~x = -x - 1, so ~5 = -5 - 1 = -6.