Question

Give the method header for each of the following methods: a) Method hypotenuse, which takes two double-precision, floating-point arguments sidel and side 2 and returns a double-precision, floating-point result. b) Method smallest, which takes three integers \(x, y\) and \(z\) and returns an integer. c) Method instructions, which does not take any arguments and does not return a value. \([\)Note: Such methods are commonly used to display instructions to a user. method intToF 7 oat, which takes an integer argument number and returns a floatingpoint result.

Short answer

The method headers are: a) `public double hypotenuse(double side1, double side2)` b) `public int smallest(int x, int y, int z)` c) `public void instructions()` d) `public float intToFloat(int number)`

Step-by-step solution

Understand the Problem

The task is to write method headers for various methods described in the problem statement. Each method has specific parameters and return types that need to be correctly specified in the method headers.

Method hypotenuse Header

For method hypotenuse, it takes two arguments of type double and returns a double. Hence, the method signature is: ```java public double hypotenuse(double side1, double side2) ```

Method smallest Header

For method smallest, it receives three integer arguments and returns an integer. Thus, the method signature is: ```java public int smallest(int x, int y, int z) ```

Method instructions Header

For method instructions, it takes no arguments and does not return any value. This type of method is declared as void and doesn't have parameters. So, the header is: ```java public void instructions() ```

Method intToFloat Header

For method intToFloat, it takes an integer argument and returns a floating-point result. The method signature is: ```java public float intToFloat(int number) ```

Key concepts

Double-Precision Arguments

Double-precision arguments are used when a method accepts numbers having a decimal point and requiring high precision. This means each double-precision number is represented using 64 bits, which allows for a very wide range of values with a high degree of accuracy. In Java, the `double` type is utilized for this.

• These are ideal for scientific calculations and scenarios where precision is critical.
• When writing method headers that use double-precision arguments, ensure to specify `double` as the parameter type.

For instance, consider a method that calculates the hypotenuse of a triangle: ```java public double hypotenuse(double side1, double side2) ``` Here, `double side1` and `double side2` represent double-precision arguments, allowing for precise floating-point calculations.

Integer Arguments

Integer arguments are used when a method requires whole numbers as parameters. In Java, this is represented by the `int` data type, which uses 32 bits to store values.

• Integers are useful for counters, loop iterations, and simple arithmetic operations that don't need decimal precision.
• In method headers, integer arguments are specified using `int`.

For example, a method that finds the smallest value among three integers would be defined as follows: ```java public int smallest(int x, int y, int z) ``` Each parameter, `x`, `y`, and `z`, are integer arguments. The method processes these whole numbers to return another integer.

Void Methods

Void methods are unique because they do not return any value. This type of method is declared using the keyword `void`. They are perfect for tasks where output is not needed such as displaying information, modifying object states, or performing operations solely for their side effects.

• Void methods may or may not take parameters, but they do not result in data being returned.
• The absence of a return type is indicated by `void` in the method signature.

Consider a method that displays instructions to a user without needing to return a result: ```java public void instructions() ``` This `instructions()` method showcases how a void method functions: it takes no arguments and simply executes its code.

Method Signatures

A method signature is a blueprint for a method, consisting of the method's name and its parameter list. It is a crucial part of Java programming, as it defines how methods can be called.

• The method signature does not include the method's return type or its body.
• Signatures must be unique within their scope to prevent clashes and ensure clarity.

For example, observe this method signature for converting an integer to a float: ```java public float intToFloat(int number) ``` Here, `intToFloat` is the method name, and `(int number)` represents its parameter list. Method signatures help Java's compiler understand which specific method to execute when called, playing a fundamental role in overloading methods.