This PCEP practice question tests your understanding of data types, variables, basic i/o and operators. 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.
A developer is writing a program to calculate the average of three test scores. The current code reads scores as integers: a=int(input()); b=int(input()); c=int(input()); avg = (a+b+c)/3; print(avg). For scores 7, 8, and 9, the output is 8.0, but the requirement is to print the integer average (8), rounded to the nearest whole number. Which modification should the developer make to meet the requirement?
Use integer division after multiplying sum
Why wrong: Truncates, same as integer division.
Use integer division: avg = (a+b+c)//3
Why wrong: Integer division truncates, does not round (e.g., 8.9 becomes 8).
Use int(avg): print(int(avg))
Why wrong: int truncates, does not round.
Use round(avg): print(round(avg))
Correct; round rounds to nearest 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
Use round(avg): print(round(avg))
The requirement is to print the integer average rounded to the nearest whole number. Using `round(avg)` correctly rounds the floating-point result (8.0) to the nearest integer (8) and prints it as an integer, satisfying the requirement. Option D is correct because `round()` performs standard rounding (banker's rounding in Python 3) and returns an integer when called with a single argument.
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.
Use integer division after multiplying sum
Why it's wrong here
Truncates, same as integer division.
Use integer division: avg = (a+b+c)//3
Why it's wrong here
Integer division truncates, does not round (e.g., 8.9 becomes 8).
Use int(avg): print(int(avg))
Why it's wrong here
int truncates, does not round.
Use round(avg): print(round(avg))
Why this is correct
Correct; round rounds to nearest integer.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
Common exam traps
Python Institute often tests the distinction between truncation (`int()`) and rounding (`round()`), leading candidates to mistakenly choose `int(avg)` because they think converting to int removes decimals, but it truncates rather than rounds.
Detailed technical explanation
In Python 3, `round()` uses 'banker's rounding' (round half to even) for floats, but for typical test score averages, it behaves as expected rounding to the nearest integer. The `//` operator performs floor division, which for positive numbers truncates toward zero but for negative numbers rounds down, making it unsuitable for rounding. Understanding the difference between truncation (`int()`), floor division (`//`), and rounding (`round()`) is critical for precise numeric output in Python.
Key takeaway
Answer the scenario, not the keyword: identify the specific constraint before choosing the most familiar-sounding option.
Real-world example
A practitioner preparing for the PCEP exam encounters this exact type of scenario on the job. The correct answer here is not the most general option — it is the best answer for the specific constraint described. Answer the scenario, not the keyword: identify the specific constraint before choosing the most familiar-sounding option. Real exam questions reward reading the full scenario before eliminating options, because the constraint defines which answer fits.
What to study next
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FAQ
Data Types, Variables, Basic I/O and Operators — This question tests Data Types, Variables, Basic I/O and Operators — Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer..
The correct answer is: Use round(avg): print(round(avg)) — The requirement is to print the integer average rounded to the nearest whole number. Using `round(avg)` correctly rounds the floating-point result (8.0) to the nearest integer (8) and prints it as an integer, satisfying the requirement. Option D is correct because `round()` performs standard rounding (banker's rounding in Python 3) and returns an integer when called with a single argument.
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 PCEP 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 PCEP exam.
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