Quick Answer
The answer is a logic error, because the script runs without crashing or failing to execute but consistently produces an incorrect output. This type of error stems from a flaw in the algorithm or the sequence of steps used to calculate the average, meaning the code is syntactically valid and runs to completion, yet the result is wrong due to a mistake in the underlying logic. On the CompTIA ITF+ FC0-U61 exam, questions about types of programming errors often test your ability to distinguish between syntax errors, which prevent code from running; runtime errors, which cause a crash during execution; and logic errors, which allow the program to run but yield incorrect results. A common trap is assuming any wrong output must be a runtime error, but remember that logic errors are silent—they don’t throw exceptions. For a quick memory tip, think: “Syntax stops, runtime crashes, logic lies.”
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 is debugging a script that calculates the average of a list of numbers. The output is always incorrect. Which type of error is most likely the cause?
Clue words in this question
Noticing these words before you look at the options changes how you read each choice.
Clue: "most likely"
Why it matters: Probability qualifier — the question wants the most probable cause or outcome, not a guaranteed one. Eliminate low-probability options.
Clue: "always"
Why it matters: Absolute qualifier. An answer using 'always' is only correct if there are genuinely no exceptions — absolute statements are often wrong in networking.
Runtime error
Why wrong: Runtime errors cause the program to crash or produce an exception.
Logic error
Logic errors occur when the code runs but produces incorrect results due to flawed reasoning.
Syntax error
Why wrong: Syntax errors prevent the script from running, but the script runs incorrectly.
Compile error
Why wrong: Compile errors occur during compilation, not in interpreted scripts.
Answer choices
Answer the question above first, then reveal the full breakdown to understand why each option is right or wrong.
Correct answer & explanation
Logic error
The correct answer is B: Logic error. The script runs without syntax or runtime errors but produces wrong results, indicating a flaw in the algorithm or logic. Option A (syntax error) would prevent execution. Option C (runtime error) would cause a crash. Option D (compile error) is not applicable to interpreted scripts.
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.
Runtime error
Why it's wrong here
Runtime errors cause the program to crash or produce an exception.
Logic error
Why this is correct
Logic errors occur when the code runs but produces incorrect results due to flawed reasoning.
Clue confirmation
The clue words "most likely", "always" in the question point toward this answer.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
Syntax error
Why it's wrong here
Syntax errors prevent the script from running, but the script runs incorrectly.
Compile error
Why it's wrong here
Compile errors occur during compilation, not in interpreted scripts.
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.
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.
Software Development Concepts — study guide chapter
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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: Logic error — The correct answer is B: Logic error. The script runs without syntax or runtime errors but produces wrong results, indicating a flaw in the algorithm or logic. Option A (syntax error) would prevent execution. Option C (runtime error) would cause a crash. Option D (compile error) is not applicable to interpreted scripts.
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.
Yes — watch for: "most likely", "always". Probability qualifier — the question wants the most probable cause or outcome, not a guaranteed one. Eliminate low-probability options.
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
About these practice questions
Courseiva creates original exam-style practice questions with explanations and wrong-answer analysis. It does not publish real exam questions, exam dumps, or protected exam content. Learn why practice questions differ from exam dumps →
Same concept, more angles
These questions test the same concept from different angles. Work through them to make sure you can recognise it however the exam phrases it.
Variation 1. Given the following pseudocode that calculates the average of a list of numbers, which error will occur? SET total = 0 SET count = 0 FOR EACH number IN list total = total + number count = count + 1 ENDFOR SET average = total / count OUTPUT average
mediumWhy D: If the list is empty, count remains 0, and division by zero occurs. No syntax error exists. A logic error would produce wrong results but division by zero is a runtime error. Compile-time errors are not relevant to pseudocode.
Last reviewed: Jun 24, 2026
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