Quick Answer
The answer is float. The division operator in Python, represented by a single forward slash, always returns a float data type, even when both operands are integers, because it performs true division rather than floor division. This means the expression 10 / 3 yields approximately 3.3333333333333335, a floating-point number, regardless of the integer inputs. On the Certified Entry-Level Python Programmer PCEP exam, this concept tests your understanding of Python’s implicit type conversion and the distinction between the division operator and the floor division operator (//). A common trap is assuming integer division returns an integer, but the PCEP exam expects you to recognize that the division operator data type is always float. To remember this, think of the single slash as a “floating” line that always produces a float, while the double slash (//) is the “floor” that stays on the integer ground.
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. x = 10 y = 3.0 z = x * y print(z)
What is the data type of z?
Refer to the exhibit. x = 10 y = 3.0 z = x * y print(z)
bool
Why wrong: Not boolean.
int
Why wrong: Result is float because one operand is float.
float
Product of int and float is float.
str
Why wrong: Not a string.
Answer choices
Answer the question above first, then reveal the full breakdown to understand why each option is right or wrong.
Correct answer & explanation
float
The data type of z is float because the expression 10 / 3 performs true division in Python, which always returns a float even if the operands are integers. The result of 10 / 3 is approximately 3.3333333333333335, a floating-point number.
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.
bool
Why it's wrong here
Not boolean.
int
Why it's wrong here
Result is float because one operand is float.
float
Why this is correct
Product of int and float is float.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
str
Why it's wrong here
Not a string.
Common exam traps
Python Institute often tests the distinction between / (true division, returns float) and // (floor division, returns int) to catch candidates who assume integer division returns an integer.
Detailed technical explanation
In Python 3, the / operator always returns a float, following the IEEE 754 double-precision standard for floating-point arithmetic. This differs from Python 2, where / performed floor division on integers. The result 3.3333333333333335 arises from binary floating-point representation, which cannot exactly represent 10/3, a subtle behavior important in financial or scientific calculations where decimal precision 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
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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: float — The data type of z is float because the expression 10 / 3 performs true division in Python, which always returns a float even if the operands are integers. The result of 10 / 3 is approximately 3.3333333333333335, a floating-point number.
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.
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 →
Same concept, more angles
These questions test the same concept from different angles. Work through them to make sure you can recognise it however the exam phrases it.
Variation 1. A developer writes: a = 3; b = 4; c = a + b / 2. What is the value of c?
hardWhy D: In Python, the division operator `/` always returns a float, and operator precedence dictates that division is performed before addition. Thus, `b / 2` evaluates to `4 / 2 = 2.0`, then `a + 2.0` yields `3 + 2.0 = 5.0`. Option D is correct because the result is a float value of 5.0.
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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