Question 1mediummultiple choice
Study the full Python automation breakdown →- A
1
Why wrong: Incorrect index.
- B
-1
Why wrong: Not found? It is found.
- C
2
'th' starts at index 2.
- D
0
Why wrong: Not starting at 0.
Question 314 of 511
Quick Answer
The answer is 2. The string method `find()` returns the lowest index where the substring is first encountered, with indexing starting at zero. In the string 'Python', the substring 'th' begins at index 2 because 'P' is index 0, 'y' is index 1, and 't' is index 2, making 2 the correct return value. On the Certified Associate Python Programmer PCAP exam, this tests your understanding of string method behavior and zero-based indexing, often appearing in questions that distinguish `find()` from `index()`—the key difference being that `find()` returns -1 when the substring is absent, while `index()` raises a ValueError. A common trap is forgetting that `find()` returns the first occurrence only, not all positions. To remember the result, think of the mnemonic: "Python starts counting at zero, so 't' is the third character but the second index."
PCAP Strings Practice Question
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.
What is the result of 'Python'.find('th')?
Answer choices
Why each option matters
Answer the question above first, then reveal the full breakdown to understand why each option is right or wrong.
Correct answer & explanation
✓
2
The string method `find()` returns the lowest index where the substring is found. In 'Python', the substring 'th' starts at index 2 (P=0, y=1, t=2, h=3, o=4, n=5). Therefore, the result is 2, making option C correct.
Key principle: Answer the scenario, not the keyword: identify the specific constraint before choosing the most familiar-sounding option.
Answer analysis
Option-by-option breakdown
For each option: why learners choose it and why it is or isn't the right answer here.
- ✗
1
Why it's wrong here
Incorrect index.
- ✗
-1
Why it's wrong here
Not found? It is found.
- ✓
2
Why this is correct
'th' starts at index 2.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
- ✗
0
Why it's wrong here
Not starting at 0.
Common exam traps
Common exam trap: answer the scenario, not the keyword
Python Institute often tests the zero-based indexing of strings, leading candidates to mistakenly count from 1 instead of 0, or to confuse `find()` with `index()` and expect an exception for missing substrings.
Detailed technical explanation
How to think about this question
The `find()` method performs a linear search from the beginning of the string, returning the first occurrence's starting index. Unlike `index()`, `find()` does not raise a `ValueError` on failure but returns -1. This behavior is critical when handling user input or parsing data where the substring may or may not exist, avoiding exception handling overhead.
KKey Concepts to Remember
- Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
- Find the constraint that changes the correct option.
- Eliminate answers that are true in general but not in this case.
TExam Day Tips
- Watch for words such as best, first, most likely and least administrative effort.
- Review why wrong options are wrong, not only why the correct option is correct.
Key takeaway
Answer the scenario, not the keyword: identify the specific constraint before choosing the most familiar-sounding option.
Real-world example
How this comes up in practice
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
Got this wrong? Here's your next step.
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FAQ
Questions learners often ask
What does this PCAP question test?
Strings — This question tests Strings — Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer..
What is the correct answer to this question?
The correct answer is: 2 — The string method `find()` returns the lowest index where the substring is found. In 'Python', the substring 'th' starts at index 2 (P=0, y=1, t=2, h=3, o=4, n=5). Therefore, the result is 2, making option C correct.
What should I do if I get this PCAP question wrong?
Identify which exam domain this question belongs to, review the core concept, then practise similar questions from the same domain.
What is the key concept behind this question?
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 →
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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