Question 1hardmulti select
Full question →- A
3 == 3
Equal.
- B
1 < 0
Why wrong: 1 is not less than 0.
- C
'a' < 'b'
Lexicographic comparison.
- D
4 > 5
Why wrong: 4 is not greater than 5.
- E
2 != 1
Not equal.
Question 123 of 510
Quick Answer
The answer is 2 != 1. This expression evaluates to True because the inequality operator '!=' compares the integer 2 with the integer 1, and since these two values are not equal, Python returns the Boolean value True. On the Certified Entry-Level Python Programmer PCEP exam, comparison operators evaluate true when the relationship between the operands matches the operator's logic, such as with '!=', '==', '>', or '<'. A common trap is confusing the assignment operator '=' with the equality operator '==', but remember that only '==' and '!=' directly test value equality or inequality. For this exam, you must recognize that any valid comparison operator that checks a true condition—like 2 != 1—will output the Boolean True. A helpful memory tip: think of the exclamation mark in '!=' as shouting "not equal!"—if the values differ, the result is always True.
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.
Which THREE of the following expressions evaluate to True?
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
✓
3 == 3
Option A is correct because the equality operator '==' compares the integer values 3 and 3, which are identical, so the expression evaluates to True. In Python, '==' checks for value equality, not identity, and since both operands are the same integer literal, the result is True.
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.
- ✓
3 == 3
Why this is correct
Equal.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
- ✗
1 < 0
Why it's wrong here
1 is not less than 0.
- ✓
'a' < 'b'
Why this is correct
Lexicographic comparison.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
- ✗
4 > 5
Why it's wrong here
4 is not greater than 5.
- ✓
2 != 1
Why this is correct
Not equal.
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 value comparison and assignment, but here the trap is that candidates may misread the operators (e.g., thinking '<' means 'less than or equal') or forget that string comparison uses Unicode order, not length or alphabetical position in a different locale.
Detailed technical explanation
How to think about this question
In Python, comparison operators like '<', '>', '==', and '!=' work by evaluating the operands and returning a Boolean (True or False). For integers, this is straightforward numeric comparison; for strings like in option C, Python uses lexicographic (Unicode code point) order, so 'a' (code point 97) is less than 'b' (code point 98), making 'a' < 'b' True. This behavior is defined in the Python language specification and is consistent across all implementations.
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: 3 == 3 — Option A is correct because the equality operator '==' compares the integer values 3 and 3, which are identical, so the expression evaluates to True. In Python, '==' checks for value equality, not identity, and since both operands are the same integer literal, the result is True.
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.
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 →
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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