CS: Functions and Parameters Worksheet

Question 1

In your own words, explain what a function is in programming and why programmers use functions.

Accepted Answer

A function is a named block of code that performs a specific task. Programmers use functions to organize code, avoid repetition, and make programs easier to read, test, and reuse.

Question 2

What is a parameter? Explain how a parameter is different from an argument.

Accepted Answer

A parameter is a variable listed in a function definition that receives a value when the function is called. An argument is the actual value passed into the function during the call.

Question 3

Consider this Python function: def greet(name): return "Hello, " + name. What is the parameter, and what is the return value when the function is called as greet("Maya")?

Accepted Answer

The parameter is name. When greet("Maya") is called, the return value is "Hello, Maya".

Question 4

Write a Python function named square that takes one parameter named number and returns number multiplied by itself.

Accepted Answer

One correct function is: def square(number): return number * number. This function takes the parameter number and returns its square.

Question 5

Trace the following code and state the final value stored in result: def add_tax(price): return price * 1.08 result = add_tax(50)

Accepted Answer

The final value stored in result is 54.0 because the function multiplies 50 by 1.08.

Question 6

A function is defined as def calculate_total(cost, quantity): return cost * quantity. What are the parameters, and what value is returned by calculate_total(7, 4)?

Accepted Answer

The parameters are cost and quantity. The function call calculate_total(7, 4) returns 28 because 7 multiplied by 4 equals 28.

Question 7

Explain the difference between printing a value inside a function and returning a value from a function.

Accepted Answer

Printing a value displays it to the user, but it does not send the value back to the part of the program that called the function. Returning a value sends the result back so it can be stored, used in an expression, or passed to another function.

Question 8

Find and fix the error in this function call: def average(a, b): return (a + b) / 2 score = average(80)

Accepted Answer

The error is that the function average requires two arguments, but only one argument was provided. One correct fix is score = average(80, 90), which provides values for both a and b.

Question 9

Write a Python function named is_passing that takes one parameter named score and returns True if score is greater than or equal to 60, otherwise returns False.

Accepted Answer

One correct function is: def is_passing(score): return score >= 60. This returns True for scores of 60 or higher and False for scores below 60.

Question 10

Consider this code: def double(x): return x * 2 def add_three(y): return y + 3 value = add_three(double(5)). What is the final value of value?

Accepted Answer

The final value of value is 13. First, double(5) returns 10. Then add_three(10) returns 13.

Question 11

A programmer writes this function: def discount(price, percent): return price - percent. Explain why this function may not correctly calculate a percent discount, and write a better return statement.

Accepted Answer

The function subtracts the percent number directly from the price instead of subtracting that percentage of the price. A better return statement is return price - (price * percent / 100).

Question 12

Design a function named format_username that takes two parameters, first_name and last_name, and returns a username made from the first three letters of the first name plus the first three letters of the last name, all lowercase. Describe what format_username("Jordan", "Smith") should return.

Accepted Answer

One correct function is: def format_username(first_name, last_name): return first_name[:3].lower() + last_name[:3].lower(). The call format_username("Jordan", "Smith") should return "jorsmi".

CS: Functions and Parameters

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