PCEP Computer Programming and Python Fundamentals Practice Question
Which FOUR of the following are valid ways to create a list with elements 1, 2, 3? (Choose four.)
⚠ Common exam trap
Python Institute often tests the distinction between the `list()` constructor requiring a single iterable argument versus the mistaken belief that it accepts multiple positional arguments, as in 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
✓
[1, 2, 3,]
Options A, B, C, and E are all valid ways. A: list literal with trailing comma; B: list() constructor with range; C: standard list literal; E: list() constructor with a tuple. Option D is invalid because list() expects a single iterable argument, not multiple arguments.
Answer analysis
Option-by-option breakdown
For each option: why learners choose it and why it is or isn't the right answer here.
- ✓
[1, 2, 3,]
Why this is correct
Correct. A trailing comma is allowed in Python list literals, so [1, 2, 3,] creates a list with elements 1, 2, 3.
- ✓
list(range(1, 4))
Why this is correct
Correct. list(range(1, 4)) generates numbers 1 through 3 and creates the list [1, 2, 3].
- ✓
[1, 2, 3]
Why this is correct
Correct. [1, 2, 3] is the standard literal syntax for creating a list with those elements.
- ✗
list(1, 2, 3)
Why it's wrong here
Invalid. The list() constructor takes only one iterable argument, but here multiple arguments are passed.
- ✓
list((1, 2, 3))
Why this is correct
Invalid for this question. While list((1, 2, 3)) technically produces the list [1, 2, 3], it is a conversion from a tuple, not a direct list creation method. The question expects only literal or range-based constructions.
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