This PCEP practice question tests your understanding of data types, variables, basic i/o and operators. The scenario asks you to isolate a root cause — eliminate options that address a different problem before choosing. 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.
num = "10.5" result = int(num) print(result)
Refer to the exhibit. What will happen when this code is executed?
num = "10.5" result = int(num) print(result)
Prints 10.5
Why wrong: int() would not produce a float.
Prints 10
Why wrong: int() does not truncate string with decimal.
Raises TypeError
Why wrong: Type mismatch is a ValueError, not TypeError.
Raises ValueError
int() expects integer representation.
Answer choices
Answer the question above first, then reveal the full breakdown to understand why each option is right or wrong.
Correct answer & explanation
Raises ValueError
The code attempts to convert the string '10.5' to an integer using int(). Since '10.5' contains a decimal point, it is not a valid integer literal; int() cannot parse it and raises a ValueError. The correct approach would be to first convert to float (float('10.5')) and then to int if needed.
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.
Prints 10.5
Why it's wrong here
int() would not produce a float.
Prints 10
Why it's wrong here
int() does not truncate string with decimal.
Raises TypeError
Why it's wrong here
Type mismatch is a ValueError, not TypeError.
Raises ValueError
Why this is correct
int() expects integer representation.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
Common exam traps
Python Institute often tests the distinction between ValueError and TypeError, trapping candidates who think a decimal string causes a TypeError when it actually raises a ValueError because the string is not a valid integer literal.
Detailed technical explanation
In Python, int() accepts strings that represent integer literals (e.g., '10', '-3', '0x1A') but not floating-point strings like '10.5' or '3.14'. This is because int() expects a literal that can be directly interpreted as an integer without conversion from float. A common workaround is to use float() first, then int() to truncate, but that requires two explicit steps.
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 exam domain this question belongs to, review the core concept, then practise similar questions from the same domain.
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FAQ
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..
The correct answer is: Raises ValueError — The code attempts to convert the string '10.5' to an integer using int(). Since '10.5' contains a decimal point, it is not a valid integer literal; int() cannot parse it and raises a ValueError. The correct approach would be to first convert to float (float('10.5')) and then to int if needed.
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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