Two StringBuffer instances and one
String instance, as the literal value "abc" will end up in the String constant pool as a single instance.
So that makes three objects, like you said.
Also, please don't forget to
QuoteYourSources (<-click): which practice exam are you using?
Build a man a fire, and he'll be warm for a day. Set a man on fire, and he'll be warm for the rest of his life.