Question 1mediummultiple choice
Full question →- A
3.33
Why wrong: That is the floating-point division result.
- B
1
Remainder when 10 is divided by 3.
- C
0
Why wrong: Not the remainder.
- D
3
Why wrong: That would be the quotient, not remainder.
Question 351 of 510
Quick Answer
The answer is 1. This is correct because the modulo operator, represented by the percent sign in Python, returns the remainder of a division operation rather than the quotient. When 10 is divided by 3, the division yields 3 with a remainder of 1, so the expression x % y evaluates to that remainder value. On the Certified Entry-Level Python Programmer PCEP exam, this concept tests your understanding of arithmetic operators and how Python handles integer division versus remainder calculation. A common trap is confusing the modulo operator with the floor division operator (//), which would return 3 instead of 1. Remember that the modulo operator remainder is always less than the divisor and shares the sign of the divisor in Python. A helpful memory tip: think of the modulo operator as answering "what's left over after making as many equal groups as possible?"—for 10 items grouped into sets of 3, you have 1 leftover, so the remainder is 1.
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.
A junior developer writes: x = 10; y = 3; print(x % y). What will be printed?
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
✓
1
The modulo operator (%) returns the remainder of the division of the left operand by the right operand. Here, 10 divided by 3 equals 3 with a remainder of 1, so print(x % y) outputs 1.
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.
- ✗
3.33
Why it's wrong here
That is the floating-point division result.
- ✓
1
Why this is correct
Remainder when 10 is divided by 3.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
- ✗
0
Why it's wrong here
Not the remainder.
- ✗
3
Why it's wrong here
That would be the quotient, not remainder.
Common exam traps
Common exam trap: answer the scenario, not the keyword
Python Institute often tests the distinction between the modulo operator (%) and integer division (//) or floating-point division (/), trapping candidates who confuse remainder with quotient or decimal result.
Detailed technical explanation
How to think about this question
In Python, the modulo operator on integers returns an integer remainder, following the formula: x % y = x - (x // y) * y. For negative operands, Python's modulo always returns a result with the sign of the divisor (e.g., -10 % 3 yields 2), which differs from some other languages like C or Java. This behavior is critical in algorithms like circular indexing or wrapping values within a range.
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
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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: 1 — The modulo operator (%) returns the remainder of the division of the left operand by the right operand. Here, 10 divided by 3 equals 3 with a remainder of 1, so print(x % y) outputs 1.
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.
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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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