PCEP Practice Question: Data Types, Variables, Basic I/O and Operators
Which TWO of the following are valid ways to determine if a variable 'x' is an integer? (Select two.)
⚠ Common exam trap
The PCEP exam often tests the distinction between type-checking methods and the misconception that `int(x) == x` is a valid type check, when in fact it only checks value equality after conversion and can produce false positives with floats or raise errors with non-numeric types.
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
✓
type(x) == int
The `type()` function returns the type of the object, and comparing it directly to `int` checks if the variable is exactly an integer. This is a straightforward and reliable way to test the type in Python.
Answer analysis
Option-by-option breakdown
For each option: why learners choose it and why it is or isn't the right answer here.
- ✓
type(x) == int
Why this is correct
Valid; compares type.
- ✗
x.isint()
Why it's wrong here
No such method exists for int.
- ✗
x.__class__ == int
Why it's wrong here
Not a standard approach; also works but not typical for PCEP.
- ✓
isinstance(x, int)
Why this is correct
Valid; recommended way to check type.
- ✗
int(x) == x
Why it's wrong here
Checks if value equals its integer conversion, not type.
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