PCEP TypeError Practice Question
A developer writes code to calculate the area of a rectangle and prints it. The code is: length = 10 width = 5 area = length + width
print('The area is', area)If the width is accidentally assigned a string '5', what error will occur?
⚠ Common exam trap
The trap is that candidates may incorrectly assume that Python allows integer + string for arithmetic addition, but actually it raises a TypeError. The key is to recognize that Python does not perform implicit type conversion in this context.
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
✓
TypeError
In Python, adding an integer and a string is not a valid operation; it will raise a TypeError because Python cannot implicitly convert the string to an integer for arithmetic. Therefore, the code will raise a TypeError when executed.
Answer analysis
Option-by-option breakdown
For each option: why learners choose it and why it is or isn't the right answer here.
- ✗
ValueError
Why it's wrong here
ValueError occurs when a function receives an argument of the right type but inappropriate value. Here, no function is called, and the operation is valid, so no ValueError.
- ✗
SyntaxError
Why it's wrong here
SyntaxError occurs when the code violates grammar rules. The syntax is correct, so no SyntaxError.
- ✓
TypeError
Why this is correct
TypeError occurs when an operation is applied to an object of inappropriate type. However, multiplying integer by string is permitted for repetition, so no TypeError.
- ✗
NameError
Why it's wrong here
NameError occurs when a name is not defined. All names (length, width, area) are defined, so no NameError.
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Written by Johnson Ajibi, MSc IT Security
Senior Network & Security Engineer · founder of Courseiva
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.