Quick Answer
The answer is None because the code triggers a division by zero unhandled exception, which crashes the program before any value can be returned. In Python, dividing an integer by zero—such as 2 / 0—raises a ZeroDivisionError, and without a try-except block to catch it, execution halts immediately. Since the function never completes, it defaults to returning None, which is Python’s automatic return value for functions that exit due to an error. On the Certified Entry-Level Python Programmer PCEP exam, this tests your understanding of exception propagation and default function returns; a common trap is assuming the output will be an error message or a printed traceback, but the question asks for the output of the code, not the error itself. Remember: an unhandled exception means no successful return, so the output is always None. A quick memory tip: “No catch, no value—None is the fallback.”
This PCEP practice question tests your understanding of functions, tuples, dictionaries and exceptions. 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.
def divide(a, b):
try:
return a / b
except ZeroDivisionError:
return float('inf')
except TypeError:
return None
result = divide(10, '5')
print(result)What is the output of the code?
Refer to the exhibit.
def divide(a, b):
try:
return a / b
except ZeroDivisionError:
return float('inf')
except TypeError:
return None
result = divide(10, '5')
print(result)None
TypeError caught, returns None.
inf
Why wrong: ZeroDivisionError not raised.
2.0
Why wrong: No division occurs.
An unhandled TypeError is raised.
Why wrong: TypeError is caught.
Answer choices
Answer the question above first, then reveal the full breakdown to understand why each option is right or wrong.
Correct answer & explanation
None
Option A is correct because the code attempts to divide an integer by zero (2 / 0), which in Python raises a ZeroDivisionError. Since there is no try-except block to handle this exception, the program crashes before any value is assigned or returned, so the output is None (the default return value of a function that does not execute successfully).
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.
None
Why this is correct
TypeError caught, returns None.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
inf
Why it's wrong here
ZeroDivisionError not raised.
2.0
Why it's wrong here
No division occurs.
An unhandled TypeError is raised.
Why it's wrong here
TypeError is caught.
Common exam traps
Python Institute often tests the distinction between different exception types, and the trap here is that candidates may confuse ZeroDivisionError with TypeError or assume Python returns 'inf' like some other languages.
Detailed technical explanation
In Python, division by zero raises a ZeroDivisionError, which is a subclass of ArithmeticError. This behavior is defined in the Python language specification and differs from some other languages (like JavaScript) that return Infinity. In real-world scenarios, such as calculating averages or rates, unhandled division by zero can crash applications, so defensive programming with try-except or checking the divisor before division is critical.
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.
What to study next
Identify which exam domain this question belongs to, review the core concept, then practise similar questions from the same domain.
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FAQ
Functions, Tuples, Dictionaries and Exceptions — This question tests Functions, Tuples, Dictionaries and Exceptions — Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer..
The correct answer is: None — Option A is correct because the code attempts to divide an integer by zero (2 / 0), which in Python raises a ZeroDivisionError. Since there is no try-except block to handle this exception, the program crashes before any value is assigned or returned, so the output is None (the default return value of a function that does not execute successfully).
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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