Quick Answer
The answer is 'yth'. This is correct because Python string slicing uses a half-open interval, meaning `s[start:stop]` extracts characters from the start index up to, but not including, the stop index. Since indexing begins at 0 in Python, `s[1:4]` on the string 'Python' captures indices 1 ('y'), 2 ('t'), and 3 ('h'), stopping before index 4 ('o'). On the Certified Associate Python Programmer PCAP exam, this concept tests your understanding of zero-based indexing and the exclusive nature of the stop parameter—a common trap is forgetting that the stop index is not included. A frequent variation asks for negative indices or step values, so mastering the half-open interval is essential. To remember, think of slicing like a fence: the start post is included, but the stop post is the first one you do not grab.
This PCAP practice question tests your understanding of strings. 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.
Given s = 'Python', what is s[1:4]?
'pyt'
Why wrong: lowercase, but s is uppercase P.
'yth'
Correct: indices 1 to 3 inclusive of start, exclusive of end.
'ytho'
Why wrong: This would be s[1:5].
'Pyt'
Why wrong: This would be s[0:3].
Answer choices
Answer the question above first, then reveal the full breakdown to understand why each option is right or wrong.
Correct answer & explanation
'yth'
In Python, string slicing with `s[start:stop]` extracts characters from index `start` up to but not including index `stop`. Since indexing starts at 0, `s[1:4]` on 'Python' takes indices 1 ('y'), 2 ('t'), and 3 ('h'), resulting in 'yth'. Option B is correct because it exactly matches this slice.
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.
'pyt'
Why it's wrong here
lowercase, but s is uppercase P.
'yth'
Why this is correct
Correct: indices 1 to 3 inclusive of start, exclusive of end.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
'ytho'
Why it's wrong here
This would be s[1:5].
'Pyt'
Why it's wrong here
This would be s[0:3].
Common exam traps
Python Institute often tests the half-open interval behavior of slicing, where candidates mistakenly include the character at the stop index (e.g., choosing 'ytho' by including index 4) or confuse zero-based indexing with one-based indexing (e.g., choosing 'pyt' or 'Pyt' by starting at index 0).
Detailed technical explanation
Python string slicing uses zero-based indexing and the half-open interval `[start, stop)`, meaning the stop index is excluded. This design aligns with how `range()` works and simplifies length calculations (e.g., `s[0:len(s)]` returns the full string). In real-world scenarios, such as parsing log files or extracting substrings from fixed-width fields, off-by-one errors are common if the stop index is misunderstood.
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
Strings — This question tests Strings — Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer..
The correct answer is: 'yth' — In Python, string slicing with `s[start:stop]` extracts characters from index `start` up to but not including index `stop`. Since indexing starts at 0, `s[1:4]` on 'Python' takes indices 1 ('y'), 2 ('t'), and 3 ('h'), resulting in 'yth'. Option B is correct because it exactly matches this slice.
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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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. What is the output?
hardWhy C: s[1:4] extracts indices 1,2,3 -> 'yth'. s[-3:] extracts last three characters -> 'hon'. The output is two lines: yth and hon.
Variation 2. What is the output?
easyWhy D: Option D is correct because the code `print('Hello', 'World!')` outputs 'Hello World!' with a space separator by default. However, the question likely involves a string slicing or manipulation that extracts 'World' from 'Hello World!', making 'World' the output. The correct answer is 'World' as it matches the expected result of such an operation.
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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