Quick Answer
The answer is 4. This is correct because the Python range function length is determined by the number of integers it generates, and `range(4)` produces the sequence 0, 1, 2, 3—exactly four items. The `len()` function then counts these items, returning 4, since range objects in Python are sequences that support the length operation. On the Certified Entry-Level Python Programmer PCEP exam, this tests your understanding that `range(n)` creates a sequence of n elements starting at 0, and that `len()` works directly on range objects without converting them to a list. A common trap is confusing the stop value (4) with the number of elements, or thinking `range(4)` includes 4 itself. Remember the memory tip: "range(n) gives n numbers, starting at zero, ending before n."
This PCEP practice question tests your understanding of computer programming and python fundamentals. 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. my_list = [1, 2, 3, 4] print(my_list[-1])
What is the output?
Refer to the exhibit. my_list = [1, 2, 3, 4] print(my_list[-1])
4
Correct: last element.
2
Why wrong: That's the second.
3
Why wrong: That's the third.
1
Why wrong: That's the first element.
Answer choices
Answer the question above first, then reveal the full breakdown to understand why each option is right or wrong.
Correct answer & explanation
4
The correct answer is 4 because the code uses the `range(4)` function, which generates numbers from 0 up to (but not including) 4, i.e., 0, 1, 2, 3. The `len()` function returns the number of items in the sequence, which is 4. Therefore, `print(len(range(4)))` outputs 4.
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.
4
Why this is correct
Correct: last element.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
2
Why it's wrong here
That's the second.
3
Why it's wrong here
That's the third.
1
Why it's wrong here
That's the first element.
Common exam traps
Python Institute often tests the common misconception that `range(n)` includes the number n, leading candidates to think the length is n+1 or to confuse the last value (n-1) with the count.
Detailed technical explanation
In Python, `range(n)` creates an immutable sequence of integers from 0 to n-1, and `len()` returns the number of elements in that sequence. Under the hood, `range` objects compute length lazily using the formula `max(0, (stop - start + step - 1) // step)` for efficiency, but for `range(4)` it simply returns 4. This behavior is defined in the Python data model (object.__len__) and is fundamental for loops and list generation.
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
Computer Programming and Python Fundamentals — This question tests Computer Programming and Python Fundamentals — Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer..
The correct answer is: 4 — The correct answer is 4 because the code uses the `range(4)` function, which generates numbers from 0 up to (but not including) 4, i.e., 0, 1, 2, 3. The `len()` function returns the number of items in the sequence, which is 4. Therefore, `print(len(range(4)))` outputs 4.
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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