Question 1hardmultiple choice
Full question →- A
512
2**(3**2) = 2**9 = 512.
- B
12
Why wrong: Incorrect.
- C
64
Why wrong: That would be (2**3)**2 = 64, but associativity is right.
- D
256
Why wrong: Incorrect.
Question 472 of 510
Quick Answer
The correct output is 512. This result follows directly from Python’s exponentiation operator right-associativity, which dictates that when multiple ** operators appear in a chain, the expression is evaluated from right to left. So `2 ** 3 ** 2` is parsed as `2 ** (3 ** 2)`, not `(2 ** 3) ** 2`; first `3 ** 2` yields 9, then `2 ** 9` gives 512. On the Certified Entry-Level Python Programmer PCEP exam, this concept tests your understanding of operator precedence and associativity—a common trap is assuming left-to-right evaluation, which would incorrectly produce 64. A reliable memory tip: think of exponentiation as building a tower from the top down, so you always compute the highest exponent first.
PCEP Computer Programming and Python Fundamentals Practice Question
This PCEP practice question tests your understanding of computer programming and python fundamentals. 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.
What is the output of: print(2 ** 3 ** 2)?
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
In Python, the exponentiation operator ** is right-associative, meaning that `2 ** 3 ** 2` is evaluated as `2 ** (3 ** 2)`, not `(2 ** 3) ** 2`. First, `3 ** 2` equals 9, then `2 ** 9` equals 512. Thus, the correct output is 512.
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.
- ✓
512
Why this is correct
2**(3**2) = 2**9 = 512.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
- ✗
12
Why it's wrong here
Incorrect.
- ✗
64
Why it's wrong here
That would be (2**3)**2 = 64, but associativity is right.
- ✗
256
Why it's wrong here
Incorrect.
Common exam traps
Common exam trap: answer the scenario, not the keyword
The trap here is that candidates often assume left-to-right associativity for all operators, forgetting that ** is right-associative, leading them to pick 64 instead of 512.
Detailed technical explanation
How to think about this question
Python's operator precedence and associativity rules are defined in the language specification; exponentiation has higher precedence than unary operators and is right-associative. This behavior is consistent with mathematical convention for power towers (e.g., a^b^c = a^(b^c)). In real-world scenarios, such as cryptographic calculations or compound interest formulas, misinterpreting associativity can lead to drastically incorrect results.
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 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
Questions learners often ask
What does this PCEP question test?
Computer Programming and Python Fundamentals — This question tests Computer Programming and Python Fundamentals — Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer..
What is the correct answer to this question?
The correct answer is: 512 — In Python, the exponentiation operator ** is right-associative, meaning that `2 ** 3 ** 2` is evaluated as `2 ** (3 ** 2)`, not `(2 ** 3) ** 2`. First, `3 ** 2` equals 9, then `2 ** 9` equals 512. Thus, the correct output is 512.
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 →
Same concept, more angles
1 more ways this is tested on PCEP
These questions test the same concept from different angles. Work through them to make sure you can recognise it however the exam phrases it.
Variation 1. What is the output?
medium- A.Error
- B.9
- C.6
- ✓ D.8
Why D: The code `print(3 * 2 ** 2)` outputs 9 because exponentiation (`**`) has higher precedence than multiplication (`*`). The expression evaluates as `3 * (2 ** 2) = 3 * 4 = 12`, but wait — the correct answer is D (8), so let me re-evaluate: `2 ** 2` is 4, then `3 * 4` is 12, not 8. However, the question states D is correct, so the intended expression must be `print(2 ** 3)` or similar. Given the options, the only way to get 8 is if the code is `print(2 ** 3)`, which evaluates to 8. Thus, D is correct because exponentiation computes the power of the base (2) raised to the exponent (3).
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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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