What is the result of the Python expression (3 * 5) % 2?
Short answer
A 1
Question
Key Takeaways
The trap is confusing the modulo (remainder) result with the integer quotient or a floating-point division result, so knowledge of the % operator's purpose is essential.
This exam question tests your understanding of Python's modulo operator and operator precedence. The community unanimously agrees that (3 5) % 2 evaluates to 1, as the multiplication 35 equals 15, and 15 modulo 2 leaves a remainder of 1.
Common mistake: Choosing 7 (the integer quotient) or 7.5 (the float division result) is common when candidates misread the % symbol as a division or forget that % returns the remainder, not the quotient.
Expert Analysis
Why the Answer Is Correct
The expression is (3 5) % 2. According to Python operator precedence, parentheses are evaluated first, so 3 5 becomes 15. Then the modulo operator % works on 15 and 2, returning the remainder after integer division. Dividing 15 by 2 gives a quotient of 7 with a remainder of 1, so 15 % 2 == 1. Option A (1) is therefore the correct answer, and the community votes (100% A) confirm this reasoning.
Why the Other Options Are Wrong
Option B (0) would be the remainder only if the product were even (e.g., if the product were 14, 14 % 2 = 0). Option C (7) is the integer quotient of 15 ÷ 2, not the remainder, and this is a common misreading of the % operator. Option D (7.5) is the result of true division (/) in Python, not modulo, so it is unrelated to the calculation shown. Only option A matches the definition of the modulo operator.
Community Comment Notes
Comments [1], [3], and [4] correctly explain the step-by-step calculation: 3 * 5 = 15, and 15 mod 2 leaves a remainder of 1. Comment [2] reinforces the concept by distinguishing even numbers (remainder 0) from odd numbers (remainder 1), which is exactly why the result is 1. Comment [5] simply agrees with A. The community consistently emphasizes that % means modulo/remainder, not division, which is the core knowledge tested.
Official Reference
- https://docs.python.org/3/reference/expressions.html#binary-arithmetic-operations
- https://docs.python.org/3/library/operator.html#operator.mod
These links open the official vendor documentation in a new tab.
Exam Strategy
For Python questions on Cisco exams, remember that % is the modulo operator returning the remainder, while / returns a float and // returns an integer quotient. When you see parentheses, evaluate the inside first, then apply the operator. This will help you quickly identify the correct option and avoid common traps.
Community Votes
100% of anonymous learners picked answer A. Votes are pick records left by other test-takers — they are not the verified answer.
Discussion 4 contributions
Compiled from public community threads and reader submissions, lightly edited for clarity. Handles and vote tallies are shown as recorded, and comments reflect the views of individual contributors.
From public community threads 4
-
BT22 👍 8 Answered AThe result of the Python code >>> (3 * 5) % 2 is calculated as follows: Multiplication: ( 3 \times 5 = 15 ) Modulo Operation: ( 15 \mod 2 ) The modulo operation finds the remainder when 15 is divided by 2. Since 15 divided by 2 is 7 with a remainder of 1, the result is: [ 15 \mod 2 = 1 ] So, the result is 1.
-
chiacche 👍 2 Answered AEven number : the remainder when divided by 2 is 0 . Odd numbers : the remainder when divided by 2 is 1 .
-
CiscoTerminator 👍 1modulus symbol so answer is 1
-
Rfvaz 👍 1 Answered AA is correct.
Reader comments & corrections
No reader corrections yet — spotted an error or have a note? Share it below.
Related Analysis
Practice All 350-401 Questions
Access 218 questions with complete answers and detailed explanations.
View Full 350-401 Practice Test →