To answer this question, we need to understand the concept of the "PIC S9(9)" declaration in COBOL.
In COBOL, "PIC" stands for Picture Clause, which is used to define the format and characteristics of a data item. "S9(9)" is a specific format used to declare a signed numeric field with a length of 9 digits.
In the "S9(9)" format, the first digit represents the sign of the number (positive or negative), and the remaining 8 digits represent the magnitude of the number.
The maximum value that can be represented by a 9-digit signed number is 999999999.
Let's go through each option to understand why it is correct or incorrect:
Option A) 9 - This option is incorrect because it represents a single digit number, while the "PIC S9(9)" declaration represents a 9-digit number.
Option B) 99999999 - This option is incorrect because it represents an 8-digit number, while the "PIC S9(9)" declaration represents a 9-digit number.
Option C) 999999999 - This option is correct because it represents a 9-digit number, which is the maximum value that can be represented by the "PIC S9(9)" declaration.
Option D) None of above - This option is incorrect because option C, 999999999, is the correct answer.
The correct answer is C. 999999999. This option is correct because it represents the maximum value that can be stored in a variable declared as PIC S9(9).