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 program uses 'x = 3.14' and 'y = int(x)'. What is the value of y?
4
Why wrong: int() does not round; it truncates toward zero.
3.14
Why wrong: int() converts to integer, so decimal is lost.
Error
Why wrong: int() can convert a float to int without error.
3
int() truncates the float to the integer part.
Answer choices
Answer the question above first, then reveal the full breakdown to understand why each option is right or wrong.
Correct answer & explanation
3
The correct answer is D because the int() function in Python truncates the decimal part of a float, converting 3.14 to the integer 3. It does not round to the nearest whole number.
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.
4
Why it's wrong here
int() does not round; it truncates toward zero.
3.14
Why it's wrong here
int() converts to integer, so decimal is lost.
Error
Why it's wrong here
int() can convert a float to int without error.
3
Why this is correct
int() truncates the float to the integer part.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
Common exam traps
The trap here is that candidates often confuse int() with round() and assume it performs rounding to the nearest integer, leading them to choose option A (4) instead of the correct truncation result (3).
Detailed technical explanation
The int() function in Python performs truncation toward zero, meaning it simply removes the fractional part without rounding. This behavior is defined in the Python language specification and is consistent across all numeric conversions. In real-world scenarios, such as when processing sensor data that requires integer indices, understanding truncation versus rounding is critical to avoid off-by-one errors.
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: 3 — The correct answer is D because the int() function in Python truncates the decimal part of a float, converting 3.14 to the integer 3. It does not round to the nearest whole number.
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 25, 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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