Question 36 of 498
PCEP Practice Question: Data Types, Variables, Basic I/O and Operators
Which THREE of the following statements about Python operators are correct?
⚠ Common exam trap
Python Institute often tests the distinction between the / operator (always returns float) and the // operator (returns int when both operands are ints), and the misconception that % returns the quotient instead of the remainder.
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
✓
The ** operator performs exponentiation.
The ** operator in Python is used for exponentiation, raising the left operand to the power of the right operand. For example, 2 ** 3 evaluates to 8. This is a fundamental arithmetic operator defined in Python's operator precedence.
Answer analysis
Option-by-option breakdown
For each option: why learners choose it and why it is or isn't the right answer here.
- ✓
The ** operator performs exponentiation.
Why this is correct
Correct; e.g., 2**3 = 8.
- ✓
The // operator performs floor division and returns an int if both operands are ints.
Why this is correct
Correct; e.g., 7//2 returns 3.
- ✓
The / operator always returns a float.
Why this is correct
Correct; even 4/2 returns 2.0.
- ✗
The + operator can be used to concatenate strings and integers.
Why it's wrong here
Raises TypeError; must convert int to str first.
- ✗
The % operator returns the quotient.
Why it's wrong here
Returns the remainder, not quotient.
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Same concept, more angles
2 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 does 'print(2 ** 3)' output?
easy- A.9
- B.23
- ✓ C.8
- D.6
Why C: The ** operator in Python performs exponentiation, raising the left operand (2) to the power of the right operand (3), which equals 8. The print() function then outputs this integer result to the console.
Variation 2. Which data type is the result of: value = 10 // 3?
easy- A.float
- B.str
- ✓ C.int
- D.bool
Why C: The // operator in Python performs floor division, which divides the left operand by the right operand and returns the largest integer less than or equal to the result. Since both 10 and 3 are integers, the result is an integer (3), not a float. Therefore, the data type of value is int.
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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