Quick Answer
The answer is 'tyP'. This result comes from slicing with negative start and step in Python, where `s[-4::-1]` begins at index -4, which corresponds to the character 't' in the string 'Python', and then moves backward through the string with a step of -1 all the way to the start, capturing indices -4, -5, and -6 to yield 't', 'y', and 'P'. On the Certified Associate Python Programmer PCAP exam, this question tests your understanding of negative indexing combined with a negative step, a common trap where learners mistakenly think the slice stops at the end or reverses the entire string. A frequent error is confusing the start index with the stop boundary—remember that a negative step means the slice moves leftward, and omitting the stop index defaults to the sequence's beginning. Memory tip: think of the negative step as a "reverse gear" that drives from your start index backward to the start of the string.
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 the result of `s[-4::-1]`?
'ty'
Why wrong: Incorrect; step -1 includes the start index.
'tho'
Why wrong: That would be result of `s[-4:]`.
'nohtyP'
Why wrong: That is `s[::-1]`.
'tyP'
Starts at -4 and steps backward to start.
Answer choices
Answer the question above first, then reveal the full breakdown to understand why each option is right or wrong.
Correct answer & explanation
'tyP'
Option C is correct: `s[-4::-1]` starts at index -4 (which is 't' in 'Python' since indices: P=0, y=1, t=2, h=3, o=4, n=5; negative: n=-1, o=-2, h=-3, t=-4, y=-5, P=-6), and steps backwards by -1 to the beginning, so it takes characters at indices -4, -5, -6 which are 't', 'y', 'P' -> 'tyP'. Option A is wrong because it slices from -4 to end. Option B is the reverse of the whole string. Option D is slicing from -4 to 0 with step -1 (exclusive of 0? Actually -4:-1:1 gives 'tho'? Let's not confuse).
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.
'ty'
Why it's wrong here
Incorrect; step -1 includes the start index.
'tho'
Why it's wrong here
That would be result of `s[-4:]`.
'nohtyP'
Why it's wrong here
That is `s[::-1]`.
'tyP'
Why this is correct
Starts at -4 and steps backward to start.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
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 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
Identify which PCAP 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
Strings — This question tests Strings — Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer..
The correct answer is: 'tyP' — Option C is correct: `s[-4::-1]` starts at index -4 (which is 't' in 'Python' since indices: P=0, y=1, t=2, h=3, o=4, n=5; negative: n=-1, o=-2, h=-3, t=-4, y=-5, P=-6), and steps backwards by -1 to the beginning, so it takes characters at indices -4, -5, -6 which are 't', 'y', 'P' -> 'tyP'. Option A is wrong because it slices from -4 to end. Option B is the reverse of the whole string. Option D is slicing from -4 to 0 with step -1 (exclusive of 0? Actually -4:-1:1 gives 'tho'? Let's not confuse).
Identify which PCAP 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 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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