Question 361 of 498
PCEP Tuple unpacking Practice Question
A function returns a tuple. Which code correctly unpacks the tuple?
def min_max(numbers):
return min(numbers), max(numbers)result = min_max([3, 1, 2])
⚠ Common exam trap
Candidates may think only one syntactic form is correct, but assignment target lists can be parenthesized or bare; both perform tuple unpacking.
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
✓
(a, b) = result
Both options B and C correctly unpack the tuple. Option B uses explicit parentheses, while option C uses the implicit form — both are valid tuple unpacking syntax in Python. Option A unpacks via indexing (not tuple unpacking), and option D incorrectly swaps the values.
Answer analysis
Option-by-option breakdown
For each option: why learners choose it and why it is or isn't the right answer here.
- ✗
a = result[0]; b = result[1]
Why it's wrong here
Incorrect: This accesses elements by index, not tuple unpacking.
- ✓
(a, b) = result
Why this is correct
Correct: Parenthesized target list unpacks the tuple into a and b.
- ✓
a, b = result
Why this is correct
Correct: Bare target list unpacks the tuple — the most concise form.
- ✗
a = result[1]; b = result[0]
Why it's wrong here
Incorrect: This accesses elements by index and swaps the order.
Visual reference
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Last reviewed: Jul 4, 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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