Send a result back.
Use it later.

print shows a value, while return lets you store a result and use it in later calculations.

01 Learn02 Try03 Predict

01 Learn

return gives a function result back to the caller.

print shows a value, while return lets you store a result and use it in later calculations.

def calculate_total(price, quantity):
    return price * quantity

total = calculate_total(250, 3)
print(total)

The function returns 750, which is stored in total before print displays it.

Change one value or function call, then explain how the result changes.

↳

Keep this in mind: Read the function definition and its calls before predicting the result.

Try it

def calculate_total(price, quantity):
    return price * quantity

total = calculate_total(250, 3)
print(total)
# Change the inputs and use total again

Run the example, then change one value and observe the result.

02 Try

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03 Predict

What will this program print?

Read the function definition and each call before choosing an answer.

def double(number):
    return number * 2

result = double(4)
print(result)

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04 Understanding Check

What will this program print, and why is return useful when a result is needed later?

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

first = add(2, 3)
print(first * 2)