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.
def square(x):
return x ** 2
result = square(4)
print(result)Refer to the exhibit. What is the output?
def square(x):
return x ** 2
result = square(4)
print(result)2
Why wrong: Confusion with square root.
16
Correct: 4 squared is 16.
4
Why wrong: No operation performed.
8
Why wrong: This would be 4*2, not square.
Answer choices
Answer the question above first, then reveal the full breakdown to understand why each option is right or wrong.
Correct answer & explanation
16
The function square returns the square of its argument. 4**2 = 16. Option B is correct.
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.
2
Why it's wrong here
Confusion with square root.
16
Why this is correct
Correct: 4 squared is 16.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
4
Why it's wrong here
No operation performed.
8
Why it's wrong here
This would be 4*2, not square.
Common exam traps
Many certification questions include familiar terms but test a specific constraint. Read the exact wording before choosing an answer that is generally true but wrong for this case.
Trap categories for this question
Similar concept trap
Confusion with square root.
Detailed technical explanation
This question should be treated as a scenario, not a definition check. Identify the problem, the constraint and the best action. Then compare each option against those facts.
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
Identify which PCEP exam domain this question belongs to, then review the specific concept being tested. Practise related questions in that domain and focus on understanding why each wrong answer is tempting — not just why the correct answer is right.
Computer Programming and Python Fundamentals — study guide chapter
Learn the concepts, then practise the questions
Computer Programming and Python Fundamentals practice questions
Targeted practice on this topic area only
All PCEP questions
510 questions across all exam domains
Certified Entry-Level Python Programmer PCEP study guide
Full concept coverage aligned to exam objectives
PCEP practice test guide
How to use practice tests most effectively before exam day
Related practice questions
Use these pages to review the topic behind this question. This is how one missed question becomes focused revision.
Practise PCEP questions linked to Computer Programming and Python Fundamentals.
Practise PCEP questions linked to Data Types, Variables, Basic I/O and Operators.
Practise PCEP questions linked to Control Flow, Loops, Lists and Logic.
Practise PCEP questions linked to Functions, Tuples, Dictionaries and Exceptions.
Practise PCEP questions linked to PCEP fundamentals.
Practise PCEP questions linked to PCEP scenario.
Practise PCEP questions linked to PCEP troubleshooting.
Practice this exam
Short sessions build daily habit. Longer sessions build exam-day stamina. Try a timed session to simulate real conditions.
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: 16 — The function square returns the square of its argument. 4**2 = 16. Option B is correct.
Identify which PCEP exam domain this question belongs to, then review the specific concept being tested. Practise related questions in that domain and focus on understanding why each wrong answer is tempting — not just why the correct answer is right.
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 →
Keep practising
Last reviewed: Jun 24, 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.
Question Discussion
Share a tip, memory trick, or ask about the reasoning behind this question. Do not post real exam questions, leaked content, braindumps, or copyrighted exam material. Comments are moderated and may be removed without notice.
Sign in to join the discussion.