- A
Abstract base classes can be instantiated if they have no abstract methods.
Why wrong: Although technically possible, it is not a recommended practice and not a typical statement about inheritance.
- B
The Method Resolution Order (MRO) is determined by the C3 linearization algorithm.
C3 linearization is used to compute MRO in Python.
- C
Private attributes (with double underscore) of the base class are accessible in the subclass.
Why wrong: Name mangling makes them inaccessible as original name.
- D
A class can inherit from multiple base classes.
Python supports multiple inheritance.
- E
The super() function returns a proxy object for method delegation.
Why wrong: While super() does return a proxy, the statement is not always considered true in the context of inheritance semantics; MRO is key.
Quick Answer
The answer is that a class can inherit from multiple base classes, and Python’s Method Resolution Order (MRO) is determined by the C3 linearization algorithm. This algorithm ensures a consistent, predictable order for method lookup in multiple inheritance scenarios by respecting local precedence order and monotonicity, preventing ambiguous or contradictory resolution paths. On the Certified Associate Python Programmer PCAP exam, this concept tests your understanding of how Python resolves method calls when a class inherits from more than one parent, often appearing in questions about diamond inheritance or super() usage. A common trap is assuming that MRO follows a simple depth-first or left-to-right rule, but C3 linearization overrides that to maintain consistency. To remember the key point, think of the mnemonic “MRO is C3: Consistent, C3 linearization, and Class precedence is monotonic.”
PCAP Object-Oriented Programming Practice Question
This PCAP practice question tests your understanding of object-oriented programming. 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.
Which TWO statements about inheritance in Python are true?
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
The Method Resolution Order (MRO) is determined by the C3 linearization algorithm.
Option B is correct because Python's Method Resolution Order (MRO) is determined by the C3 linearization algorithm, which ensures a consistent and predictable order for method lookup in multiple inheritance scenarios. This algorithm produces a linearization that respects the local precedence order and monotonicity, as defined in the Python documentation for class hierarchies.
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.
- ✗
Abstract base classes can be instantiated if they have no abstract methods.
Why it's wrong here
Although technically possible, it is not a recommended practice and not a typical statement about inheritance.
- ✓
The Method Resolution Order (MRO) is determined by the C3 linearization algorithm.
Why this is correct
C3 linearization is used to compute MRO in Python.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
- ✗
Private attributes (with double underscore) of the base class are accessible in the subclass.
Why it's wrong here
Name mangling makes them inaccessible as original name.
- ✓
A class can inherit from multiple base classes.
Why this is correct
Python supports multiple inheritance.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
- ✗
The super() function returns a proxy object for method delegation.
Why it's wrong here
While super() does return a proxy, the statement is not always considered true in the context of inheritance semantics; MRO is key.
Common exam traps
Common exam trap: answer the scenario, not the keyword
Python Institute often tests the misconception that `super()` returns a direct parent class instance, when in fact it returns a proxy that follows the MRO, which is essential for cooperative multiple inheritance in Python.
Detailed technical explanation
How to think about this question
The C3 linearization algorithm, used by Python since version 2.3, merges the MROs of parent classes in a way that preserves the order of base classes as listed in the class definition and ensures that a class always appears before its parents. This is critical for resolving diamond inheritance patterns, where a class inherits from two classes that share a common ancestor, preventing ambiguous method resolution. In practice, the MRO can be inspected via `ClassName.__mro__` or `ClassName.mro()`, and a `TypeError` is raised if the linearization is inconsistent (e.g., due to contradictory inheritance hierarchies).
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 media company stores terabytes of video archives that are accessed once a year for audit purposes. Moving these objects to a cold storage tier (Azure Archive, S3 Glacier, or Google Nearline) costs a fraction of hot storage. Questions like this test whether you understand storage tiers, access frequency tradeoffs, and retrieval latency requirements.
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?
Object-Oriented Programming — This question tests Object-Oriented Programming — Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer..
What is the correct answer to this question?
The correct answer is: The Method Resolution Order (MRO) is determined by the C3 linearization algorithm. — Option B is correct because Python's Method Resolution Order (MRO) is determined by the C3 linearization algorithm, which ensures a consistent and predictable order for method lookup in multiple inheritance scenarios. This algorithm produces a linearization that respects the local precedence order and monotonicity, as defined in the Python documentation for class hierarchies.
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.
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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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