Question 1mediummultiple choice
Full question →- A
10
Why wrong: Not correct.
- B
50
Why wrong: That would be integer multiplication.
- C
5
Why wrong: Not correct.
- D
5555555555
String repetition.
Question 287 of 510
Quick Answer
The answer is 5555555555. This output occurs because in Python, the multiplication operator (*) functions as a string repetition operator when one operand is a string and the other is an integer, repeating the string content by the integer value. The expression 10 * '5' instructs Python to concatenate the string '5' ten times, producing the single string '5555555555', which print() displays without quotation marks. On the Certified Entry-Level Python Programmer PCEP exam, this concept tests your understanding of operator overloading and sequence repetition, often appearing in questions that distinguish between arithmetic multiplication and string repetition. A common trap is confusing the order—remember that the integer can come before or after the string, so '5' * 10 yields the same result. For a quick memory tip, think of the asterisk as a "copy machine" for strings: the number tells Python how many copies to print side by side.
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 developer writes: print(10 * '5'). What is 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
✓
5555555555
In Python, the multiplication operator (*) when used with a string and an integer performs string repetition. The expression 10 * '5' repeats the string '5' ten times, resulting in the string '5555555555'. The print() function then outputs this concatenated string without quotes.
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.
- ✗
10
Why it's wrong here
Not correct.
- ✗
50
Why it's wrong here
That would be integer multiplication.
- ✗
5
Why it's wrong here
Not correct.
- ✓
5555555555
Why this is correct
String repetition.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
Common exam traps
Common exam trap: answer the scenario, not the keyword
The trap here is that candidates often confuse the string repetition operator with arithmetic multiplication, leading them to mistakenly compute 10 * 5 = 50 instead of recognizing that the operand is a string literal.
Detailed technical explanation
How to think about this question
Under the hood, Python's string repetition is implemented via the __mul__ method on str objects, which allocates a new string of length len(original) * n and fills it with repeated copies. This behavior is defined in the Python Language Reference (section 3.3.6). A real-world scenario is generating repeated delimiters (e.g., print('-' * 40) for a separator line) or padding strings in formatting tasks.
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 small business has 20 workstations on the 192.168.1.0/24 network and one public IP from its ISP. The router uses PAT (NAT overload) so all 20 devices share one public address using different source ports. NAT questions test whether you understand the four address terms and which direction each translation applies.
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: 5555555555 — In Python, the multiplication operator (*) when used with a string and an integer performs string repetition. The expression 10 * '5' repeats the string '5' ten times, resulting in the string '5555555555'. The print() function then outputs this concatenated string without quotes.
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.
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 →
Last reviewed: Jun 11, 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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