Question 1hardmultiple choice
Full question →- A
x **= 2
Why wrong: Works fine, x becomes 25.
- B
x -= 3
Why wrong: Works fine, x becomes 2.
- C
x //= 0
Integer division by zero raises ZeroDivisionError.
- D
x += 2
Why wrong: Works fine, x becomes 7.
Question 56 of 510
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.
Given x = 5, which of the following assignments will cause a runtime error?
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
✓
x //= 0
Option C is correct because division by zero is undefined in Python, and the floor division assignment operator `//=` with a divisor of 0 raises a `ZeroDivisionError` at runtime. The other operators (`**=`, `-=`, `+=`) perform valid arithmetic on the integer 5 and do not cause errors.
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.
- ✗
x **= 2
Why it's wrong here
Works fine, x becomes 25.
- ✗
x -= 3
Why it's wrong here
Works fine, x becomes 2.
- ✓
x //= 0
Why this is correct
Integer division by zero raises ZeroDivisionError.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
- ✗
x += 2
Why it's wrong here
Works fine, x becomes 7.
Common exam traps
Common exam trap: answer the scenario, not the keyword
The trap here is that candidates may mistakenly think any operator can handle zero as a divisor or confuse floor division with modulo, but Cisco specifically tests that `//` with a zero divisor raises a runtime error, not a syntax error or silent failure.
Detailed technical explanation
How to think about this question
In Python, integer division by zero raises a `ZeroDivisionError` because the language follows IEEE 754 for floating-point but explicitly forbids integer division by zero to avoid undefined behavior. The floor division operator `//` performs integer division and truncates toward negative infinity, but when the divisor is 0, Python's runtime checks for this condition before any arithmetic occurs. This is a fundamental safety feature that prevents crashes in critical systems like financial calculations or embedded control logic.
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: x //= 0 — Option C is correct because division by zero is undefined in Python, and the floor division assignment operator `//=` with a divisor of 0 raises a `ZeroDivisionError` at runtime. The other operators (`**=`, `-=`, `+=`) perform valid arithmetic on the integer 5 and do not cause errors.
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 25, 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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