Question 1easymulti select
Full question →- A
"5"
Why wrong: String, not integer.
- B
10 // 2
Floor division returns integer 5.
- C
int(5.7)
int() truncates to integer 5.
- D
5.0
Why wrong: Float, not integer.
- E
10 / 2
Why wrong: Returns float 5.0.
Question 173 of 510
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. Read the scenario carefully and evaluate each option against the stated constraints before committing to an answer. 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.
Which TWO of the following expressions produce the integer 5?
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
✓
10 // 2
Option B, `10 // 2`, uses floor division in Python, which divides 10 by 2 and returns the integer quotient 5, discarding any fractional remainder. Option C, `int(5.7)`, truncates the decimal part of the float 5.7, converting it directly to the integer 5. Both expressions produce the exact integer value 5.
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.
- ✗
"5"
Why it's wrong here
String, not integer.
- ✓
10 // 2
Why this is correct
Floor division returns integer 5.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
- ✓
int(5.7)
Why this is correct
int() truncates to integer 5.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
- ✗
5.0
Why it's wrong here
Float, not integer.
- ✗
10 / 2
Why it's wrong here
Returns float 5.0.
Common exam traps
Common exam trap: answer the scenario, not the keyword
Python Institute often tests the distinction between `/` (true division returning float) and `//` (floor division returning int), as well as the difference between numeric types (int vs. float vs. string), to catch candidates who overlook Python's implicit type conversions.
Detailed technical explanation
How to think about this question
In Python 3, the `/` operator always returns a float, even when the division is exact, to maintain consistency with floating-point arithmetic. The `//` operator (floor division) returns the largest integer less than or equal to the result, effectively truncating toward negative infinity for negative numbers. The `int()` function truncates toward zero, which can produce different results for negative floats (e.g., `int(-5.7)` yields -5, while `-5.7 // 1` yields -6).
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.
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FAQ
Questions learners often ask
What does this PCEP question test?
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: 10 // 2 — Option B, `10 // 2`, uses floor division in Python, which divides 10 by 2 and returns the integer quotient 5, discarding any fractional remainder. Option C, `int(5.7)`, truncates the decimal part of the float 5.7, converting it directly to the integer 5. Both expressions produce the exact integer value 5.
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.
About these practice questions
Courseiva creates original exam-style practice questions with explanations and wrong-answer analysis. It does not publish real exam questions, exam dumps, or protected exam content. Learn why practice questions differ from exam dumps →
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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