To extract integers from a string formatted as "int,int,int,int" in Java, the initial approach involves using String.split(",") to create an array of string values. However, an issue arises when trying to parse decimal numbers, as Integer.parseInt only accepts whole numbers. The user encountered a NumberFormatException when attempting to parse a string containing a decimal (e.g., "1.5"). This led to confusion about the nature of signed integers and the need for precision in their application, specifically for modeling speeds in a physics context. After further research, the user realized that using Double.parseDouble would be the appropriate method for extracting double values from the string, allowing for the retention of decimal precision.