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.
Refer to the exhibit. >>> x = 10 >>> y = 3 >>> print(x // y, x % y)
What is the output from the interactive Python session?
Refer to the exhibit. >>> x = 10 >>> y = 3 >>> print(x // y, x % y)
3.333 1
Why wrong: // is not division.
3 1
10 // 3 = 3, 10 % 3 = 1.
1 3
Why wrong: Order reversed.
3 0
Why wrong: Remainder is 1, not 0.
Answer choices
Answer the question above first, then reveal the full breakdown to understand why each option is right or wrong.
Correct answer & explanation
3 1
The expression `10 // 3` performs integer (floor) division, which discards the fractional part and returns the integer quotient 3. The expression `10 % 3` returns the remainder of the division, which is 1. Therefore, the output is `3 1`, making option B 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.
3.333 1
Why it's wrong here
// is not division.
3 1
Why this is correct
10 // 3 = 3, 10 % 3 = 1.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
1 3
Why it's wrong here
Order reversed.
3 0
Why it's wrong here
Remainder is 1, not 0.
Common exam traps
Python Institute often tests the distinction between true division (`/`) and floor division (`//`), knowing that candidates may confuse the two or forget that integer division in Python 3 returns an integer, not a float.
Detailed technical explanation
In Python, the `//` operator implements floor division, which always rounds down to the nearest integer (toward negative infinity for negative numbers). The `%` operator returns the remainder such that `a = (a // b) * b + (a % b)` holds true. This behavior is defined in PEP 238 and is consistent with the Euclidean division algorithm, which is critical in algorithms like modular arithmetic and cyclic data structures.
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
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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: 3 1 — The expression `10 // 3` performs integer (floor) division, which discards the fractional part and returns the integer quotient 3. The expression `10 % 3` returns the remainder of the division, which is 1. Therefore, the output is `3 1`, making option B correct.
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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