Is Math.max(a,b) or (a>b)?a:b faster in Java?

Question

Which one is faster in Java and why?

1. Math.max(a,b)
2. (a>b)?a:b

(This was asked in an interview.)

Answer 1

Math.max(a, b) is a static function (meaning no virtual call overhead) and will likely be inlined by the JVM to the same instructions as (a > b) ? a : b.