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.
Refer to the exhibit. Command output: >>> 5 // 2 2 >>> 5 % 2 1 >>> 5 / 2 2.5
Based on the exhibit, which expression returns 2.5 in Python?
Refer to the exhibit. Command output: >>> 5 // 2 2 >>> 5 % 2 1 >>> 5 / 2 2.5
int(5 / 2)
Why wrong: int(2.5) returns 2.
5 % 2
Why wrong: Modulo returns 1.
5 // 2
Why wrong: Floor division returns 2.
5 / 2
True division returns 2.5.
Answer choices
Answer the question above first, then reveal the full breakdown to understand why each option is right or wrong.
Correct answer & explanation
5 / 2
Option D is correct because the division operator `/` in Python always returns a float, even when dividing two integers. Since 5 divided by 2 equals 2.5, the expression `5 / 2` returns the float `2.5`.
Key principle: Answer the scenario, not the keyword: identify the specific constraint before choosing the most familiar-sounding option.
Answer analysis
For each option: why learners choose it and why it is or isn't the right answer here.
int(5 / 2)
Why it's wrong here
int(2.5) returns 2.
5 % 2
Why it's wrong here
Modulo returns 1.
5 // 2
Why it's wrong here
Floor division returns 2.
5 / 2
Why this is correct
True division returns 2.5.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
Common exam traps
Python Institute often tests the distinction between `/` (true division returning float) and `//` (floor division returning integer), trapping candidates who confuse the two or expect integer division from `/` as in Python 2.
Detailed technical explanation
In Python 3, the `/` operator always produces a float result, even if both operands are integers, due to the language's design to avoid silent truncation common in other languages like C or Java. This behavior is defined in the Python language reference under binary arithmetic operations. A real-world scenario is when calculating averages or ratios where fractional precision is required, using `/` ensures the result is a float, while `//` is used for integer division when discarding the remainder is intentional.
Key takeaway
Answer the scenario, not the keyword: identify the specific constraint before choosing the most familiar-sounding option.
Real-world example
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.
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FAQ
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..
The correct answer is: 5 / 2 — Option D is correct because the division operator `/` in Python always returns a float, even when dividing two integers. Since 5 divided by 2 equals 2.5, the expression `5 / 2` returns the float `2.5`.
Identify which exam domain this question belongs to, review the core concept, then practise similar questions from the same domain.
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
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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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