FC0-U71 Applications and Software Practice Question
A developer writes a Python script that processes user input. During execution, the script prompts for an age and stores it in a variable. Which data type is most appropriate for the variable that stores the age?
⚠ Common exam trap
The trap here is that input() returns a string, so candidates may pick String, forgetting that the question asks for the most appropriate data type for storing an age, which is numeric.
Answer choices
Why each option matters
Answer the question above first, then reveal the full breakdown to understand why each option is right or wrong.
Correct answer & explanation
✓
Integer
An age is a whole number of years, so the Integer type is the natural fit. Python's int type stores whole numbers without a fractional component and supports arithmetic operations directly. Using Integer avoids unnecessary type conversions and preserves numeric semantics for comparisons and calculations.
Answer analysis
Option-by-option breakdown
For each option: why learners choose it and why it is or isn't the right answer here.
- ✗
Float
Why it's wrong here
A float stores fractional numbers, but age is normally a whole number of years, so an integer is appropriate. Floats suit measurements like weight or temperature where decimals matter. Storing age as a float introduces unnecessary precision and potential rounding artefacts without benefit.
- ✗
Boolean
Why it's wrong here
A Boolean holds only True or False, so it cannot represent an age value such as 25 or 40. Booleans suit flags and yes/no conditions, which is why they appear plausible for input handling. The stem needs a numeric type capable of storing arbitrary integer ages.
- ✗
String
Why it's wrong here
Storing the age as a string keeps the digits as text, so arithmetic comparisons and calculations fail without conversion. Strings suit identifiers, names or codes where no numeric operations occur, making them tempting for raw input. The stem requires a numeric type for processing age values.
- ✓
Integer
Why this is correct
An integer stores whole-number values without fractional components, matching an age expressed in completed years. It satisfies the stem's constraint that the script processes numeric input into an appropriate variable type, avoiding the precision and comparison issues that arise when ages are held as strings or floating-point values.
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Written and reviewed by Johnson Ajibi, MSc IT Security
Senior Network & Security Engineer · founder of Courseiva
Last reviewed September 2026 · checked against the official CompTIA exam blueprint
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