Return values in Python - Mini Project: Build & Apply

Return values

📖 Scenario: You are creating a simple calculator function that adds two numbers. This is like using a calculator to get the sum of two amounts you have in your wallet.

🎯 Goal: Build a function called add_numbers that takes two numbers and returns their sum. Then, use this function to add two numbers and print the result.

📋 What You'll Learn

Create a function named add_numbers with two parameters: a and b

Inside the function, return the sum of a and b

Call the function add_numbers with the numbers 5 and 7

Store the result in a variable called result

Print the value of result

💡 Why This Matters

🌍 Real World

Functions that return values are used everywhere, like calculating totals in shopping carts or scores in games.

💼 Career

Understanding return values is essential for writing reusable code and building programs that process and return data.

1

Create the function add_numbers

Write a function called add_numbers that takes two parameters named a and b. Inside the function, return the sum of a and b.

Python

# Define the function add_numbers with parameters a and b
# Your code here

Need a hint?

Use the def keyword to create a function. Use return to send back the sum.

2

Call the function and store the result

Call the function add_numbers with the numbers 5 and 7. Store the returned value in a variable called result.

Python

def add_numbers(a, b):
    return a + b

# Call add_numbers with 5 and 7 and store in result
# Your code here

Need a hint?

Use the function name with parentheses and pass the numbers inside. Assign the call to result.

3

Print the result

Write a print statement to display the value stored in the variable result.

Python

def add_numbers(a, b):
    return a + b

result = add_numbers(5, 7)

# Print the value of result
# Your code here

Need a hint?

Use print(result) to show the sum on the screen.

4

Try with different numbers

Call the function add_numbers again with the numbers 10 and 15. Store the returned value in a variable called new_result. Then print new_result.

Python

def add_numbers(a, b):
    return a + b

result = add_numbers(5, 7)
print(result)

# Call add_numbers with 10 and 15, store in new_result, then print it
# Your code here

Need a hint?

Repeat the call with new numbers and print the new result.