Question

The first exercise concerns some very basic mathematics. Write a Python program that stores the result of the computation \(1+1\) in a variable and then prints the value of this variable. Name of program file: 1 plus1.py.

Short answer

Create a Python file named `1_plus1.py`, compute `1 + 1` and print the result.

Step-by-step solution

Create a Python File

Open a text editor or an IDE that allows you to write Python code. Create a new file and save it as `1_plus1.py`. This will be the file that contains your Python code.

Perform the Computation

In the `1_plus1.py` file, write a line of code that performs the computation of adding 1 and 1. You can assign the result to a variable called `result`. The line should look like this: `result = 1 + 1`.

Print the Result

Below the line where you calculated the sum, add another line of code to print the value stored in the `result` variable. This can be done using the `print` function like this: `print(result)`.

Save and Run the Program

Save the file after you've written the code. Then, run the program using Python by executing the command `python 1_plus1.py` in your terminal or command prompt. This will display the output of your code, which should be `2`.

Key concepts

Basic Mathematics in Programming

In the world of programming, understanding basic mathematics is foundational. Even simple arithmetic like addition, subtraction, and multiplication are used regularly and form the basis of more complex computations. When writing Python programs, these operations allow a computer to process numerical data. Python is a language that excels at handling mathematical operations due to its straightforward syntax. For instance, to add two numbers, you simply use the `+` operator. In our example, the operation is as simple as writing `1 + 1`. Getting comfortable with these basic operations sets the groundwork for understanding more complex concepts. It also aids in writing efficient and accurate code, as operations are central to solving problems. Always remember that no operation is too simple to master in programming, as these small steps contribute to building larger systems.

Python Variables

Variables in programming are like containers that store information for us to use later. In Python, creating a variable is a breeze because it doesn't require explicit declaration like in other programming languages. You can store almost any kind of data in a variable, but our focus is initially on numerical data. To create a variable in Python, you simply assign it a value using the `=` operator. In our exercise, the variable named `result` is assigned the value of `1 + 1`. This line of code not only tells Python to perform the addition but also stores the result in the variable.

• Variables make your code more readable, as they help to identify what a value represents.
• They can be updated, making it easy to manage changes in your program's data.

Understanding variables is key because they are the most basic way by which data is stored and manipulated in all Python programs.

Simple Python Computation

Performing computations with Python is straightforward due to its simple and expressive syntax. Python handles basic arithmetic operations using operators such as `+` for addition, `-` for subtraction, `*` for multiplication, and `/` for division. Computations are typically the first step towards writing a functional Python program. In our example, the computation involves adding two numbers, which is as simple as `1 + 1`. After computing, it's important to use the result effectively. The `print` function is a handy tool in Python that allows you to display the output of your computations. By writing `print(result)`, where `result` contains the value of your computation, you can see your output directly in the console.

• Simple computations are building blocks for handling complex data manipulations.
• Regularly testing your computations helps prevent errors and ensures your program runs smoothly.

By mastering these basics, you can layer increasingly complex computations on top of one another, leading to more sophisticated and useful Python programs.