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PCEP Computer Programming and Python Fundamentals Practice Question
Arrange the steps to slice a list in Python.
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
✓
First create the list, then specify the start index, then specify the stop index, then optionally specify the step.
List slicing in Python uses the syntax [start:stop:step] within square brackets on an existing list. The correct order is to first have the list, then define the start index, then the stop index, and finally an optional step. Common mistakes include putting indices out of order or attempting to slice before the list exists.
Answer analysis
Option-by-option breakdown
For each option: why learners choose it and why it is or isn't the right answer here.
- ✓
First create the list, then specify the start index, then specify the stop index, then optionally specify the step.
Why this is correct
This is the correct order because you must have a list first, then define the slice boundaries in the correct sequence: start, stop, step.
- ✗
First specify the start index, then create the list, then specify the stop index, then optionally specify the step.
Why it's wrong here
This is incorrect because you cannot specify an index before the list exists.
- ✗
First create the list, then specify the stop index, then specify the start index, then optionally specify the step.
Why it's wrong here
This is incorrect because the slicing syntax requires start before stop; swapping them changes the slice.
- ✗
First create the list, then specify the start index, then specify the step, then specify the stop index.
Why it's wrong here
This is incorrect because the step must come after the stop in the slicing notation [start:stop:step].
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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.