PCEP Control Flow, Loops, Lists and Logic Practice Question
What is the output of the code?
numbers = [1, 2, 3, 4] result = [x**2 for x in numbers if x % 2 == 0]
print(result)
⚠ Common exam trap
Python Institute often tests the distinction between the filter condition and the transformation expression, so the trap here is that candidates may confuse the filtered elements with the transformed output, leading them to pick the original even numbers (option A) or a mix (option D).
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
✓
[4, 16]
The list comprehension `[x**2 for x in numbers if x % 2 == 0]` iterates over `numbers`, filters for even numbers (2 and 4) using the condition `x % 2 == 0`, and squares each selected element. Squaring 2 gives 4, squaring 4 gives 16, so the result is `[4, 16]`. Option B 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.
- ✗
[2, 4]
Why it's wrong here
These are the even numbers, not their squares.
- ✓
[4, 16]
Why this is correct
Correct squares of even numbers.
- ✗
[1, 9]
Why it's wrong here
Squares of odd numbers (1 and 3).
- ✗
[2, 4, 16]
Why it's wrong here
Includes incorrect item 2.
Go deeper
Related to this question
About these practice questions
Courseiva writes every PCEP question from scratch — 498 in total, each with an explanation and a wrong-answer breakdown. None are copied from real exams or dumps. Learn why practice questions differ from exam dumps →
JA
Written by Johnson Ajibi, MSc IT Security
Senior Network & Security Engineer · founder of Courseiva
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.