PCEP Computer Programming and Python Fundamentals Practice Question
Which TWO of the following are valid Python variable names?
⚠ Common exam trap
The PCEP exam often tests the rule that variable names cannot start with a digit, and the distinction between hyphens (which are operators) and underscores (which are valid identifier characters), leading candidates to mistakenly accept '2nd_var' or 'my-var' as valid.
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
✓
my_var2
Python variable names must start with a letter or underscore, and can contain letters, digits, and underscores. 'my_var2' starts with a letter and contains only valid characters, so it is a valid identifier.
Answer analysis
Option-by-option breakdown
For each option: why learners choose it and why it is or isn't the right answer here.
- ✓
my_var2
Why this is correct
Letters, underscores, and digits are allowed.
- ✗
2nd_var
Why it's wrong here
Cannot start with a digit.
- ✓
_myvar
Why this is correct
Underscore is allowed as starting character.
- ✗
my-var
Why it's wrong here
Hyphen is not allowed in variable names.
- ✗
for
Why it's wrong here
'for' is a reserved keyword.
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