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 >>> z = x // y >>> print(z)
What is the output of the code in the exhibit?
Refer to the exhibit. >>> x = 10 >>> y = 3 >>> z = x // y >>> print(z)
3
Floor division of 10 by 3 yields 3.
4
Why wrong: Incorrect calculation.
3.0
Why wrong: Floor division returns integer, not float.
3.3333333333333335
Why wrong: True division (/) would give that, not floor division.
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
The code performs integer division using the // operator, which in Python returns the floor of the division result for positive numbers. Since 10 // 3 equals 3 (the integer part of 10/3), the output is 3. Option A is correct because integer division discards the fractional part.
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
Why this is correct
Floor division of 10 by 3 yields 3.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
4
Why it's wrong here
Incorrect calculation.
3.0
Why it's wrong here
Floor division returns integer, not float.
3.3333333333333335
Why it's wrong here
True division (/) would give that, not floor division.
Common exam traps
Python Institute often tests the distinction between / (true division returning a float) and // (floor division returning an int), tricking candidates who confuse the two operators or forget that integer division discards the remainder.
Detailed technical explanation
In Python, the // operator performs floor division, which returns the largest integer less than or equal to the exact quotient. For positive numbers, this is equivalent to truncation toward zero, but for negative numbers it floors toward negative infinity (e.g., -10 // 3 = -4). This behavior is defined in PEP 238 and is consistent with the math.floor() function. In real-world scenarios, integer division is commonly used for indexing, pagination, or when exact integer counts are needed without floating-point errors.
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 — The code performs integer division using the // operator, which in Python returns the floor of the division result for positive numbers. Since 10 // 3 equals 3 (the integer part of 10/3), the output is 3. Option A is correct because integer division discards the fractional part.
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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