Quick Answer
The answer is Division by zero. When the user enters '0', the int() function successfully converts the string to the integer 0, so no ValueError is raised; execution then proceeds to the division 10 / 0, which triggers a ZeroDivisionError. This error is caught by the first matching except block, printing 'Division by zero', and the program skips the subsequent ValueError handler entirely. This question tests your understanding of exception flow in sequential operations — specifically, how Python processes a try block line by line and jumps to the appropriate error path only when an exception occurs. On the PCAP exam, a common trap is assuming that an invalid input like '0' will cause a ValueError, but the conversion succeeds; the error arises later during division. Remember the memory tip: “Input first, divide second — a valid zero passes int() but breaks division.”
This PCAP practice question tests your understanding of exceptions and file i/o. 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.
Consider the following code snippet:
try:
x = int(input()) y = 10 / x
print(y)
except ZeroDivisionError:
print('Division by zero')except ValueError:
print('Invalid integer')If the user enters '0', what is the output?
No output
Why wrong: The error is caught and message printed.
Both 'Invalid integer' and 'Division by zero'
Why wrong: Only one exception is raised.
Division by zero
ZeroDivisionError is raised and caught.
Invalid integer
Why wrong: No ValueError since '0' is a valid integer.
Answer choices
Answer the question above first, then reveal the full breakdown to understand why each option is right or wrong.
Correct answer & explanation
Division by zero
When the user enters '0', the input is successfully converted to the integer 0 by int(), so no ValueError occurs. Then 10 / 0 raises a ZeroDivisionError, which is caught by the except ZeroDivisionError block, printing 'Division by zero'. Option C is correct because the code never reaches the ValueError handler.
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.
No output
Why it's wrong here
The error is caught and message printed.
Both 'Invalid integer' and 'Division by zero'
Why it's wrong here
Only one exception is raised.
Division by zero
Why this is correct
ZeroDivisionError is raised and caught.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
Invalid integer
Why it's wrong here
No ValueError since '0' is a valid integer.
Common exam traps
Python Institute often tests the order of exception handling and the fact that int('0') succeeds, leading candidates to mistakenly think a ValueError occurs or that both exceptions could fire.
Detailed technical explanation
In Python, exception handlers are checked in order; once a matching except clause is found, subsequent handlers are skipped. The ZeroDivisionError is a built-in exception raised when the second argument of division is zero, and it is distinct from ValueError. In real-world scenarios, such as parsing user input for a calculator, you must handle both invalid input and division by zero separately to provide clear error messages.
Key takeaway
Answer the scenario, not the keyword: identify the specific constraint before choosing the most familiar-sounding option.
Real-world example
A cloud solutions architect for a retail company is evaluating services for a new workload. The correct answer here reflects best practice for the specific scenario described — not a general cloud recommendation. Answer the scenario, not the keyword: identify the specific constraint before choosing the most familiar-sounding option. Cloud exam questions reward reading the constraint carefully: the same technology can be right or wrong depending on the use case.
What to study next
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FAQ
Exceptions and File I/O — This question tests Exceptions and File I/O — Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer..
The correct answer is: Division by zero — When the user enters '0', the input is successfully converted to the integer 0 by int(), so no ValueError occurs. Then 10 / 0 raises a ZeroDivisionError, which is caught by the except ZeroDivisionError block, printing 'Division by zero'. Option C is correct because the code never reaches the ValueError handler.
Identify which exam domain this question belongs to, review the core concept, then practise similar questions from the same domain.
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
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Last reviewed: Jun 30, 2026
This PCAP practice question is part of Courseiva's free Python Institute 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 PCAP exam.
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