Question

(Reverse Digits) Write a function that takes an integer value and returns the number with its digits reversed. For example, given the number 7631 , the function should return 1367

Short answer

Write a function that converts the integer to a string, reverses it, and converts it back to an integer.

Step-by-step solution

Understand the Problem

The task is to write a function that takes an integer and returns its digits in reverse order. For example, input `7631` should output `1367`.

Convert Integer to String

Convert the integer to a string to easily manipulate the digits. This allows us to reverse the order of characters.

Reverse the String

Reverse the string using Python's slicing method `[::-1]`. This will rearrange the string characters in reverse order.

Convert Reversed String back to Integer

Convert the reversed string back to an integer using the `int()` function. This will give us the reversed number without any leading zeroes.

Return the Result

Return the reversed integer as the output of the function.

Key concepts

Integer Manipulation

In computer programming, integer manipulation is a crucial skill that involves performing operations on integer types. These operations can include addition, subtraction, multiplication, division, or more complex tasks such as reversing digits. Understanding how to manipulate integers efficiently can help solve many kinds of algorithmic problems. In our exercise, the goal is to reverse the digits of an integer, which requires extracting individual digits and rearranging them. By doing this, we demonstrate a practical application of integer manipulation that is commonly encountered in coding challenges.

String Conversion

String conversion in programming refers to the process of changing data types, specifically converting an integer to a string or vice versa. This technique is useful in scenarios where you need to treat numerical digits as individual characters for manipulation.

• Convert integer to string: This step allows easy manipulation of digits as strings offer more flexibility, especially when reversing order with simple operations like slicing.
• Convert back to integer: After manipulating the string, converting it back ensures the result is a numerical value without leading zeroes.

String conversion is a fundamental concept that helps bridge operations between numerical and textual data forms.

Algorithm Steps

Writing effective algorithms involves breaking down a problem into smaller, manageable steps. Each of these steps represents a fundamental operation or a specific task that gradually transforms the input into desired output. Here's a brief look at our algorithm: - **Step 1:** Understand the problem by clarifying input and expected output. - **Step 2:** Convert integer to string to facilitate easy reversal of digits. - **Step 3:** Reverse the string using slicing methods, a common technique in programming. - **Step 4:** Convert the reversed string back to an integer to maintain the data type integrity. - **Step 5:** Return the processed integer as the final output. Organizing a solution into specific steps helps maintain clarity and improves efficiency while solving the problem.

Problem-Solving

Problem-solving in programming is about developing a systematic approach to tackle issues by leveraging logical reasoning and coding skills.

• Define the problem: Clearly describe what needs to be achieved. Here, it's reversing the digits of an integer.
• Break down the solution: Identify smaller tasks, such as converting data types and reversing sequences.
• Implement the solution: Code each step while testing and debugging to ensure accuracy.
• Optimize: Once a solution works, explore improvements for efficiency and readability.

Each aspect of problem-solving encourages critical thinking and promotes the development of robust, efficient algorithms, as seen in this example.