PCEP Practice Question: Data Types, Variables, Basic I/O and Operators
A program contains this code: print(1 and 2 or 3). What is the output?
⚠ Common exam trap
Python Institute often tests the misconception that `and`/`or` always return `True` or `False`, leading candidates to pick `True` (option C) instead of the actual operand value `2`.
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
In Python, the `and` and `or` operators short-circuit and return the last evaluated operand, not a boolean. `1 and 2` evaluates to `2` because both are truthy and `and` returns the last truthy value. Then `2 or 3` short-circuits because `2` is truthy, so `or` returns `2` without evaluating `3`. Thus, the output is `2`.
Answer analysis
Option-by-option breakdown
For each option: why learners choose it and why it is or isn't the right answer here.
- ✗
3
Why it's wrong here
The or operator stops at 2 because it is truthy.
- ✗
1
Why it's wrong here
The and operator returns the second value if first is truthy.
- ✗
True
Why it's wrong here
The result is the value 2, not a boolean.
- ✓
2
Why this is correct
Evaluation: 1 and 2 -> 2; 2 or 3 -> 2.
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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.