What is the expected output of the following code? ``python data = ['Peter', 'Paul', 'Mary'] print(data[int(-1 / 2)]) ``

Question

data = ['Peter', 'Paul', 'Mary']
print(data[int(-1 / 2)])

Options

• APaul
• BMary
• CThe code is erroneous.
• DNone of the above.
• EPeter

• A
  4% (2)
• B
  12% (7)
• C
  5% (3)
• D
  2% (1)
• E
  77% (44)

Explanation

-1 / 2 in Python 3 performs true (float) division, yielding -0.5, and int(-0.5) truncates toward zero - giving 0, not -1. So data[0] returns 'Peter', making E correct.

Why the distractors fail:

• A (Paul) - data[1] requires an index of 1, not 0.
• B (Mary) - data[-1] would give Mary, but that requires int(-0.5) to equal -1, which it doesn't.
• C (erroneous) - the code runs without error; every operation is valid.
• D (None of the above) - ruled out because E is a valid match.

Memory tip: Remember the difference between int() and //. Both truncate, but in opposite directions for negatives - int(-0.5) rounds toward zero → 0, while -1 // 2 rounds toward negative infinity → -1. On exam questions involving negative index arithmetic, always apply int() first before assuming which list element is accessed.

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