Question 430 of 498
PCEP Practice Question: Data Types, Variables, Basic I/O and Operators
Exhibit
Refer to the exhibit. print(2 ** 3 ** 2)
What is the output?
⚠ Common exam trap
Python Institute often tests the right-associativity of the exponentiation operator, knowing that many candidates assume left-to-right evaluation or confuse it with multiplication/division associativity.
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
✓
512
The expression `2 ** 3 ** 2` is evaluated as `2 ** (3 ** 2)` because exponentiation in Python is right-associative. First, `3 ** 2` computes to 9, then `2 ** 9` yields 512. Thus, option C is correct.
Answer analysis
Option-by-option breakdown
For each option: why learners choose it and why it is or isn't the right answer here.
- ✗
256
Why it's wrong here
Incorrect.
- ✗
36
Why it's wrong here
Incorrect.
- ✓
512
Why this is correct
Correct. Exponentiation is right-associative.
- ✗
64
Why it's wrong here
Incorrect. This would be (2 ** 3) ** 2.
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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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