- A
Use string splitting to extract the numeric part, then convert to float and round to the nearest integer.
Why wrong: Rounding may not match the desired behavior (e.g., 45.2 rounds to 45, but 45.8 rounds to 46). The original intent is to truncate? The problem says 'integer result', but rounding is not exactly truncation.
- B
Use a regular expression to extract the number and convert to float, then convert to int.
Why wrong: Regular expressions are outside the PCEP exam scope and may be overkill for this task.
- C
Use the .replace() method to remove the '%' character and then convert to int.
Why wrong: This works only for integer percentages; for '45.2%', removing '%' gives '45.2' which cannot be converted to int.
- D
Use a try-except block to attempt int conversion first; if a ValueError occurs, convert to float and then convert to int (which truncates the decimal part).
This handles both integer and floating-point inputs by attempting direct int conversion first, and falling back to float then int truncation.
PCEP Practice Question: Data Types, Variables, Basic I/O and Operators
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 system administrator wrote a Python script to monitor disk usage. The script reads the output of a system command that returns a string like 'Used: 45%' and extracts the percentage. The code uses slicing to get the numeric part and converts to int. However, on some servers, the output format changes to 'Used: 45.2%', causing a ValueError when converting to int. The administrator needs a robust solution that works with both integer and floating-point percentages while still producing an integer result (e.g., 45 for 45.2%). Which option is the best approach?
Clue words in this question
Noticing these words before you look at the options changes how you read each choice.
Clue:
"best"Why it matters: Signals that multiple options may be partially correct. Choose the option that most directly solves the exact problem described, not the one that sounds most complete.
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
Use a try-except block to attempt int conversion first; if a ValueError occurs, convert to float and then convert to int (which truncates the decimal part).
Option D is correct because it uses a try-except block to first attempt int conversion for integer percentages, and if a ValueError occurs (due to a decimal point), it converts to float and then to int, which truncates the decimal part. This approach handles both '45%' and '45.2%' formats without raising an error, producing an integer result as required.
Key principle: Answer the scenario, not the keyword: identify the specific constraint before choosing the most familiar-sounding option.
Answer analysis
Option-by-option breakdown
For each option: why learners choose it and why it is or isn't the right answer here.
- ✗
Use string splitting to extract the numeric part, then convert to float and round to the nearest integer.
Why it's wrong here
Rounding may not match the desired behavior (e.g., 45.2 rounds to 45, but 45.8 rounds to 46). The original intent is to truncate? The problem says 'integer result', but rounding is not exactly truncation.
- ✗
Use a regular expression to extract the number and convert to float, then convert to int.
Why it's wrong here
Regular expressions are outside the PCEP exam scope and may be overkill for this task.
- ✗
Use the .replace() method to remove the '%' character and then convert to int.
Why it's wrong here
This works only for integer percentages; for '45.2%', removing '%' gives '45.2' which cannot be converted to int.
- ✓
Use a try-except block to attempt int conversion first; if a ValueError occurs, convert to float and then convert to int (which truncates the decimal part).
Why this is correct
This handles both integer and floating-point inputs by attempting direct int conversion first, and falling back to float then int truncation.
Clue confirmation
The clue word "best" in the question point toward this answer.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
Common exam traps
Common exam trap: answer the scenario, not the keyword
Python Institute often tests the distinction between int() and float() conversion behavior, and the trap here is that candidates may overlook that int('45.2') raises a ValueError, leading them to choose a simpler but incorrect approach like direct int conversion after removing '%'.
Detailed technical explanation
How to think about this question
The int() constructor in Python can convert a string to an integer only if the string represents a whole number; if it contains a decimal point, a ValueError is raised. Converting a float to int using int() truncates toward zero (e.g., int(45.9) yields 45), which is the desired behavior for this use case. In real-world monitoring scripts, output formats may vary due to different system locales or tool versions, making exception handling a robust pattern for such edge cases.
KKey Concepts to Remember
- Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
- Find the constraint that changes the correct option.
- Eliminate answers that are true in general but not in this case.
TExam Day Tips
- Watch for words such as best, first, most likely and least administrative effort.
- Review why wrong options are wrong, not only why the correct option is correct.
Key takeaway
Answer the scenario, not the keyword: identify the specific constraint before choosing the most familiar-sounding option.
Real-world example
How this comes up in practice
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
Got this wrong? Here's your next step.
Identify which exam domain this question belongs to, review the core concept, then practise similar questions from the same domain.
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Data Types, Variables, Basic I/O and Operators — study guide chapter
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FAQ
Questions learners often ask
What does this PCEP question test?
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..
What is the correct answer to this question?
The correct answer is: Use a try-except block to attempt int conversion first; if a ValueError occurs, convert to float and then convert to int (which truncates the decimal part). — Option D is correct because it uses a try-except block to first attempt int conversion for integer percentages, and if a ValueError occurs (due to a decimal point), it converts to float and then to int, which truncates the decimal part. This approach handles both '45%' and '45.2%' formats without raising an error, producing an integer result as required.
What should I do if I get this PCEP question wrong?
Identify which exam domain this question belongs to, review the core concept, then practise similar questions from the same domain.
Are there clue words in this question I should notice?
Yes — watch for: "best". Signals that multiple options may be partially correct. Choose the option that most directly solves the exact problem described, not the one that sounds most complete.
What is the key concept behind this question?
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
About these practice questions
Courseiva creates original exam-style practice questions with explanations and wrong-answer analysis. It does not publish real exam questions, exam dumps, or protected exam content. Learn why practice questions differ from exam dumps →
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Last reviewed: Jun 30, 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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