Quick Answer
The correct answer is that the pseudocode sums the numbers from 1 to 5. This is because the loop initializes i at 1 and increments it by 1 each iteration until it reaches 5, with the statement sum = sum + i adding the current value of i to the running total during each pass. On the CompTIA ITF+ FC0-U61 exam, this question tests your understanding of pseudocode loops and accumulation, a foundational concept for interpreting basic algorithms. A common trap is confusing the loop’s cumulative effect with a single operation—option A incorrectly suggests it only adds 5, while option B misreads the plus sign as multiplication. To remember, think of the loop as a conveyor belt: each number from 1 to 5 drops into the sum bucket, one at a time. A useful memory tip is “loop and lump”—the loop runs, and each value gets lumped into the total.
This FC0-U61 practice question tests your understanding of software development concepts. Read the scenario carefully and evaluate each option against the stated constraints before committing to an answer. After answering, compare your reasoning against the explanation and wrong-answer breakdown below. Once you have made your selection, read the full explanation to reinforce the concept and understand why each distractor is designed to mislead on exam day.
A developer writes the following pseudocode: for i = 1 to 5, sum = sum + i. What does this code do?
It sums the numbers from 1 to 5
The loop iterates through 1 to 5 and accumulates the sum.
It adds 5 to the sum
Why wrong: The loop runs multiple times, not just once.
It multiplies numbers from 1 to 5
Why wrong: The operator is '+', not '*'.
It prints the numbers from 1 to 5
Why wrong: No output statement is shown.
Answer choices
Answer the question above first, then reveal the full breakdown to understand why each option is right or wrong.
Correct answer & explanation
It sums the numbers from 1 to 5
The correct answer is C: It sums the numbers from 1 to 5. The loop runs i from 1 to 5, adding each to sum. Option A (adds 5 to sum) is incorrect because i takes multiple values. Option B (multiplies numbers) uses '+' not '*'. Option D (prints numbers) doesn't involve output.
Key principle: Answer the scenario, not the keyword: identify the specific constraint before choosing the most familiar-sounding option.
Answer analysis
For each option: why learners choose it and why it is or isn't the right answer here.
It sums the numbers from 1 to 5
Why this is correct
The loop iterates through 1 to 5 and accumulates the sum.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
It adds 5 to the sum
Why it's wrong here
The loop runs multiple times, not just once.
It multiplies numbers from 1 to 5
Why it's wrong here
The operator is '+', not '*'.
It prints the numbers from 1 to 5
Why it's wrong here
No output statement is shown.
Common exam traps
Many certification questions include familiar terms but test a specific constraint. Read the exact wording before choosing an answer that is generally true but wrong for this case.
Trap categories for this question
Command / output trap
No output statement is shown.
Detailed technical explanation
This question should be treated as a scenario, not a definition check. Identify the problem, the constraint and the best action. Then compare each option against those facts.
Key takeaway
Answer the scenario, not the keyword: identify the specific constraint before choosing the most familiar-sounding option.
Real-world example
A practitioner preparing for the FC0-U61 exam encounters this exact type of scenario on the job. The correct answer here is not the most general option — it is the best answer for the specific constraint described. Answer the scenario, not the keyword: identify the specific constraint before choosing the most familiar-sounding option. Real exam questions reward reading the full scenario before eliminating options, because the constraint defines which answer fits.
What to study next
Identify which FC0-U61 exam domain this question belongs to, then review the specific concept being tested. Practise related questions in that domain and focus on understanding why each wrong answer is tempting — not just why the correct answer is right.
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FAQ
Software Development Concepts — This question tests Software Development Concepts — Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer..
The correct answer is: It sums the numbers from 1 to 5 — The correct answer is C: It sums the numbers from 1 to 5. The loop runs i from 1 to 5, adding each to sum. Option A (adds 5 to sum) is incorrect because i takes multiple values. Option B (multiplies numbers) uses '+' not '*'. Option D (prints numbers) doesn't involve output.
Identify which FC0-U61 exam domain this question belongs to, then review the specific concept being tested. Practise related questions in that domain and focus on understanding why each wrong answer is tempting — not just why the correct answer is right.
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
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Last reviewed: Jun 24, 2026
This FC0-U61 practice question is part of Courseiva's free CompTIA certification practice question bank. Courseiva provides original exam-style practice questions with explanations, topic-based practice, mock exams, readiness tracking, and study analytics to help learners prepare for the FC0-U61 exam.
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