PCEP Practice Question: Data Types, Variables, Basic I/O and Operators
This PCEP practice question tests your understanding of data types, variables, basic i/o and operators. The scenario asks you to isolate a root cause — eliminate options that address a different problem before choosing. 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.
Exhibit
Refer to the exhibit.
def divide(a, b):
try:
result = a / b
print('Result:', result)
except ZeroDivisionError:
print('Cannot divide by zero')
except TypeError:
print('Unsupported operand')
divide(10, 0)
Refer to the exhibit.
def divide(a, b):
try:
result = a / b
print('Result:', result)
except ZeroDivisionError:
print('Cannot divide by zero')
except TypeError:
print('Unsupported operand')
divide(10, 0)
Answer the question above first, then reveal the full breakdown to understand why each option is right or wrong.
Correct answer & explanation
✓
Cannot divide by zero
Option A is correct because the code attempts to divide by zero, which raises a ZeroDivisionError. Python's default exception handling prints 'Cannot divide by zero' if the exception is caught, or the program would crash if unhandled. The question implies the code includes a try-except block that catches this specific error and prints that message.
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.
✓
Cannot divide by zero
Why this is correct
ZeroDivisionError is caught.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
✗
The program crashes with an unhandled exception
Why it's wrong here
Exception is handled.
✗
Result: 0
Why it's wrong here
The division does not execute.
✗
Unsupported operand
Why it's wrong here
TypeError is not raised.
Common exam traps
Common exam trap: answer the scenario, not the keyword
Python Institute often tests the distinction between an unhandled exception (crash) and a caught exception (graceful handling), tricking candidates who assume any division by zero always crashes the program.
Detailed technical explanation
How to think about this question
In Python, integer and float division by zero raises a ZeroDivisionError, which is a built-in exception. The try-except construct allows catching this exception to prevent program termination. This behavior is defined in Python's data model (PEP 341) and is critical in real-world applications like financial calculations where a zero divisor must be handled explicitly to avoid crashes.
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
Got this wrong? Here's your next step.
Identify which exam domain this question belongs to, review the core concept, then practise similar questions from the same domain.
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..
What is the correct answer to this question?
The correct answer is: Cannot divide by zero — Option A is correct because the code attempts to divide by zero, which raises a ZeroDivisionError. Python's default exception handling prints 'Cannot divide by zero' if the exception is caught, or the program would crash if unhandled. The question implies the code includes a try-except block that catches this specific error and prints that message.
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.
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Question Discussion
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