C++ function to find maximum element of 3 arrays -

i'm learning arrays , how work. i'm given following function used find maximum elements in 3 different arrays, a, b , c:

void findmax(int a[], int b[], int c[]) {     int maxa = a[0], maxb = b[0], maxc = c[0];     (int = 1; < max_len; i++)     {         if(maxa < a[i]) maxa = a[i];         if(maxb < b[i]) maxb = b[i];         if(maxc < c[i]) maxc = c[i];     } } 

my goal figure out how return 3 values (maxa, maxb, maxc) without adding arguments. i'm allowed change return type , can write code outside function.

my first thought change void int , create new array has 3 max values. however, think need pointers return arrays , haven't learned yet.

there few ways approach this.

the traditional approach (arrays)

the easiest way make function return int[]. gives of values , in concise format. however, int[] type cannot guarantee size 3 or contains claim contains, not type-friendly approach.

the oo approach (structs)

most java enthusiasts tell make struct or class encapsulates idea, such this.

struct maxvals {     int maxa;     int maxb;     int maxc;     // possibly constructor here }; 

this still memory-efficient solution , cleaner array approach. has benefit of being more type-safe; can't make maxvals 4 or 2 ints now; it's guaranteed @ compile-time have 3. however, bulky. requires define new type, outside of function, ever used in 1 case.

the modern approach (tuples)

this new feature of c++, adapted python , haskell, it's available in c++11, has limited support across compilers. tuples new data structure in tuple header can guarantee heterogeneous, fixed-size data structures of types specify @ compile-time. set return type std::tuple<int, int, int> , initialize structure std::make_tuple(maxa, maxb, maxc).

this approach has same memory advantages , guarantees struct approach without overhead , boilerplate of declaring one-use type. ideal approach problem this, if compiler supports it.