PCEP Computer Programming and Python Fundamentals Practice Question
Exhibit
def calculate_discount(price, discount):
if discount > 0.5:
print("Discount too high")
return price
return price * (1 - discount)Refer to the exhibit. What is the output when the following code is executed: print(calculate_discount(100, 0.6))
⚠ Common exam trap
The PCEP exam often tests the distinction between a function's printed output and its return value, leading candidates to overlook that both the print inside the function and the print of the return value appear in the output.
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
✓
Discount too high followed by 100
The code defines a function `calculate_discount(price, discount)` that first checks if the discount is 0.6 or higher. Since 0.6 is exactly equal to 0.6, the condition `if discount >= 0.6` is true, so it prints 'Discount too high' and then returns the original price (100). The `print()` statement outside the function outputs the return value, which is 100, resulting in the output 'Discount too high' followed by '100' on the next line.
Answer analysis
Option-by-option breakdown
For each option: why learners choose it and why it is or isn't the right answer here.
- ✗
Discount too high
Why it's wrong here
The function also returns and prints the price.
- ✗
40.0
Why it's wrong here
40.0 is the discounted price for valid discount ≤0.5.
- ✗
100
Why it's wrong here
The message is also printed.
- ✓
Discount too high followed by 100
Why this is correct
The print statement outputs the message, then the function returns 100 which is printed.
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Written by Johnson Ajibi, MSc IT Security
Senior Network & Security Engineer · founder of Courseiva
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.