PCEP Computer Programming and Python Fundamentals Practice Question
Given the code: my_list = [1, 2, 3, 4, 5]. What is the output of print(my_list[-3:-1])?
⚠ Common exam trap
The trap here is that candidates often forget that the end index in a slice is exclusive, causing them to include the element at index -1 and choose option D instead of B.
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, 4]
Python list slicing with negative indices counts from the end of the list. my_list[-3:-1] starts at index -3 (value 3) and goes up to but does not include index -1 (value 5), so it returns [3, 4].
Answer analysis
Option-by-option breakdown
For each option: why learners choose it and why it is or isn't the right answer here.
- ✗
[4, 5]
Why it's wrong here
This would be my_list[-2:].
- ✓
[3, 4]
Why this is correct
Negative indices: -3 corresponds to index 2 (value 3), -1 corresponds to index 4 (value 5) but stop exclusive, so indices 2 and 3: [3,4].
- ✗
[2, 3]
Why it's wrong here
This would be my_list[-4:-2].
- ✗
[3, 4, 5]
Why it's wrong here
This would be my_list[-3:].
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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.