C PROGRAMMING PROGRAM • DECISION MAKING

Find the Maximum of Two Numbers

Learn how to find the maximum of two numbers using a clear C program.

BeginnerConditional operatorComparisonMaximum

PROBLEM UNDERSTANDING

Input and expected output

Sample input

14.5 9.2

Sample output

Maximum = 14.50

COMPLETE C PROGRAM

Complete C implementation

#include <stdio.h>

int main(void)
{
    double first, second, maximum;

    printf("Enter two numbers: ");
    scanf("%lf %lf", &first, &second);
    maximum = first > second ? first : second;
    printf("Maximum = %.2f\n", maximum);
    return 0;
}

CURRENT STEP

Select Start to walk through the important lines.

SELECTED LINE

No line selected

EXPECTED OUTPUT FOR THE SAMPLE

Maximum = 14.50

0%Step 0 of 0

PROGRAM EXPLANATION

Algorithm and explanation

Read the required input values.
Use the conditional operator to select the larger value.
Display the computed result.

Use the conditional operator to select the larger value.

EFFICIENCY

Time and space complexity

Time complexity

O(1)

Auxiliary space

O(1)

DEBUGGING CHECKLIST

Common mistakes

Check this

Use the correct format specifier for every variable.

Check this

Initialize variables before using their values.

Check this

Check braces, semicolons and input order carefully.

Try it yourself

Practice: Run the program with the sample input, predict its output, and then test one boundary case of your own.