PCEP Practice Question: Data Types, Variables, Basic I/O and Operators
After executing: a = 5; b = 2; c = a // b; d = a % b; e = a ** b. What is the value of (c + d) * 2 - e?
⚠ Common exam trap
Python Institute often tests the distinction between floor division (//) and true division (/), and the correct order of operations (PEMDAS), where candidates may incorrectly compute c as 2.5 or misapply the exponentiation operator.
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
✓
-19
After executing the code, a=5, b=2, c=5//2=2 (floor division), d=5%2=1 (remainder), e=5**2=25 (exponentiation). Then (c+d)*2-e = (2+1)*2-25 = 3*2-25 = 6-25 = -19. Option B is correct because it matches this calculation.
Answer analysis
Option-by-option breakdown
For each option: why learners choose it and why it is or isn't the right answer here.
- ✗
-20
Why it's wrong here
Incorrect; likely forgot parentheses or miscomputed exponents.
- ✓
-19
Why this is correct
Correct; see calculation.
- ✗
-11
Why it's wrong here
Incorrect; possible order of operations error.
- ✗
-15
Why it's wrong here
Incorrect; maybe used wrong operator precedence.
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