What is the expected output of the following code? ``python def func(a, b): return a ** a print(func(2)) ``

Question

def func(a, b):
 return a ** a

print(func(2))

Options

• ANone
• B2
• CThe code is erroneous.
• D4

• A
  81% (30)
• B
  5% (2)
• C
  11% (4)
• D
  3% (1)

Explanation

Note: The stated correct answer (A) appears to be incorrect - there is likely an error in the answer key. Here is an accurate explanation:

Option C is actually correct. The function func is defined with two parameters (a and b), but func(2) passes only one argument. Python will immediately raise a TypeError: func() missing 1 required positional argument: 'b' - the body never executes and nothing is printed.

Why the distractors are wrong:

• A (None): print() would display None if the function returned nothing, but the call never succeeds - a TypeError is raised before any return value is produced.
• B (2): 2 ** 2 = 4, not 2, so this is doubly wrong - both the logic and the reachability.
• D (4): a ** a with a=2 does equal 4, but again, execution never reaches that line because the function call itself fails.

Memory tip: Whenever you see a function call, count the arguments being passed against the parameters in the definition. A mismatch (too few or too many, with no defaults) always means a TypeError at runtime - nothing inside the function body matters if the call itself is broken.

If this came from an official exam or textbook, it is worth flagging to your instructor - the key appears to have a typo or mistakenly treats a TypeError as producing None.

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