max() and min() in Python - Cheat Sheet & Quick Revision

Recall & Review

beginner

What does the max() function do in Python?

The max() function returns the largest item from an iterable or the largest of two or more arguments.

beginner

What does the min() function do in Python?

The min() function returns the smallest item from an iterable or the smallest of two or more arguments.

beginner

How can you find the maximum number in a list [3, 7, 2, 9]?

Use max([3, 7, 2, 9]) which will return 9.

beginner

How can you find the minimum value among numbers 5, 10, and 1?

Use min(5, 10, 1) which will return 1.

intermediate

Can max() and min() be used with strings? How?

Yes! They compare strings alphabetically (based on Unicode). For example, max(['apple', 'banana', 'cherry']) returns 'cherry' because 'c' comes after 'a' and 'b'.

What will max([4, 9, 1, 7]) return?

A 4

B 7

C 9

D 1

max() returns the largest number, which is 9.

What does min('dog', 'cat', 'bat') return?

A 'bat'

B 'cat'

C 'dog'

D Error

Strings are compared alphabetically. 'bat' comes before 'cat' and 'dog'.

Which of these is a valid way to use max()?

A max(3, 5, 2)

B All of the above

C max('a', 'z', 'm')

D max([3, 5, 2])

All options are valid uses of max().

What will min([]) do?

A Raise a ValueError

B Return None

C Return 0

D Return an empty list

min() raises a ValueError if given an empty iterable.

How does max() decide which item is largest when given strings?

A By string length

B Randomly

C By number of vowels

D Alphabetically (Unicode order)

max() compares strings alphabetically using Unicode order.

Explain how to use max() and min() with a list of numbers.

Think about finding the highest and lowest scores in a game.

Describe what happens if you use max() or min() on strings.

Think about dictionary order.