PCEP Computer Programming and Python Fundamentals Practice Question
A student writes the code: x = 10; if x > 5: print("big"); else: print("small"). What is the output?
⚠ Common exam trap
Python Institute often tests whether candidates know that semicolons are valid statement separators in Python, leading many to incorrectly think they cause a `SyntaxError` when they do not.
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
✓
big
The code `x = 10; if x > 5: print("big"); else: print("small")` is syntactically correct in Python. Since `x` is 10, the condition `x > 5` evaluates to `True`, so the `if` branch executes, printing `"big"`. The semicolons are allowed as statement separators, and the colon after `if` and `else` is required. Therefore, option D is correct.
Answer analysis
Option-by-option breakdown
For each option: why learners choose it and why it is or isn't the right answer here.
- ✗
small
Why it's wrong here
Condition false.
- ✗
SyntaxError
Why it's wrong here
Syntax is valid.
- ✗
big small
Why it's wrong here
Only one branch executed.
- ✓
big
Why this is correct
Condition true.
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