Question 1easymultiple choice
Full question →- A
nums[5]
Why wrong: Index out of range.
- B
nums[-1]
Correct negative indexing.
- C
nums[0]
Why wrong: Returns first element.
- D
nums[-2]
Why wrong: Returns second-to-last.
Question 18 of 510
Quick Answer
The answer is nums[-1]. This is correct because Python uses zero-based indexing, meaning the first element is at index 0, and negative indices count backward from the end of the list, so -1 always refers to the last element regardless of the list length. On the Certified Entry-Level Python Programmer PCEP exam, this tests your understanding of Python’s indexing system and the use of negative indices as a shortcut to access the last element of a list without calculating len(nums)-1. A common trap is confusing -1 with the second-to-last element or thinking it accesses the first element; remember that negative indices start at -1 for the last item, not 0. For a quick memory tip: think of -1 as “one step back from the end,” just like counting down from the tail of the list.
PCEP Control Flow, Loops, Lists and Logic Practice Question
This PCEP practice question tests your understanding of control flow, loops, lists and logic. 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 list of numbers is defined as nums = [1, 2, 3, 4, 5]. Which expression returns the last element?
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
✓
nums[-1]
Option B is correct because Python uses zero-based indexing, so the first element is at index 0 and the last element is at index -1. Negative indices count from the end of the list, so nums[-1] directly accesses the last element (5) without needing to know the list length.
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.
- ✗
nums[5]
Why it's wrong here
Index out of range.
- ✓
nums[-1]
Why this is correct
Correct negative indexing.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
- ✗
nums[0]
Why it's wrong here
Returns first element.
- ✗
nums[-2]
Why it's wrong here
Returns second-to-last.
Common exam traps
Common exam trap: answer the scenario, not the keyword
The trap here is that candidates often forget Python's zero-based indexing and mistakenly think the last element is at index equal to the list length (e.g., nums[5]), or they confuse negative indexing and pick nums[-2] thinking it refers to the last element.
Detailed technical explanation
How to think about this question
Under the hood, Python lists are dynamic arrays that store references to objects. Negative indexing is implemented by adding the negative index to the list's length (e.g., nums[-1] becomes nums[5-1] = nums[4]), allowing O(1) access from the end. This is especially useful when the list length is unknown or changes dynamically, such as when processing the last element of a user-provided dataset.
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.
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Control Flow, Loops, Lists and Logic — study guide chapter
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FAQ
Questions learners often ask
What does this PCEP question test?
Control Flow, Loops, Lists and Logic — This question tests Control Flow, Loops, Lists and Logic — Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer..
What is the correct answer to this question?
The correct answer is: nums[-1] — Option B is correct because Python uses zero-based indexing, so the first element is at index 0 and the last element is at index -1. Negative indices count from the end of the list, so nums[-1] directly accesses the last element (5) without needing to know the list length.
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.
What is the key concept behind this question?
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
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Last reviewed: Jun 11, 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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