Question

Play with the interpreter a little. Use it like a calculator and type this: 8 * 9. Press the Enter key to see the result. Python should print 72.

Short answer

Type `8 * 9`, hit Enter, and you'll see `72` as the result.

Step-by-step solution

Set Up the Python Interpreter

First, you need to open a Python environment. This could be an interactive shell like Jupyter Notebook, an IDE like PyCharm, or a terminal window where Python is installed.

Input the Calculation

Once you have access to the Python interpreter, type the multiplication operation as shown: ``` 8 * 9 ``` This tells Python to multiply 8 by 9.

Execute the Code

After typing the operation, press the Enter key. This tells Python to compute the expression.

View the Result

The Python interpreter will process the input and display the result of the multiplication. You should see `72` output.

Key concepts

Python Interpreter

The Python Interpreter is a special program that understands and executes Python code. When you type Python commands, the interpreter reads the instructions and performs them. This allows you to write and run Python code interactively. You can open a Python environment through:

• Command-line interface like Command Prompt or Terminal, where Python is installed
• Text editors with built-in support like Visual Studio Code
• Interactive environments like Jupyter Notebook
• Integrated Development Environments (IDEs) like PyCharm

In any of these settings, you can enter Python commands, and the interpreter will instantly execute them and show you the output. It’s a great way to test snippets of code quickly.

Mathematical Operations in Python

Python can perform a wide variety of mathematical operations. These operations include basic arithmetic, such as addition, subtraction, multiplication, and division. Python is designed to handle mathematical expressions efficiently, making it a powerful tool for calculations. A few common operations are:

• +: Addition
• -: Subtraction
• *: Multiplication
• /: Division

Python respects the order of operations, also known as PEMDAS/BODMAS, which stands for:

• Parentheses
• Exponents
• Multiplication and Division
• Addition and Subtraction

This means that Python will first calculate expressions in parentheses, then exponents, and so on. Knowing this order helps when writing more complex expressions.

Using Python as a Calculator

Using Python as a calculator is straightforward and efficient. Once you open the Python interpreter, you can type arithmetic operations just as you would on a regular calculator. The expression 8 * 9 is an example of using Python to multiply the numbers 8 and 9. Once the operation is typed in the interpreter, pressing the Enter key will execute it. A nice advantage of using Python is that it can handle very large numbers and precise floats easily, unlike standard calculators. Python can also store results in variables, which is helpful for longer calculations that you want to break into parts: ```python result = 8 * 9 print(result) ``` This saves the multiplication result in result and prints it out, offering more control and flexibility compared to a traditional calculator. Python's ability to process and store calculations makes it a powerful tool for more complex mathematical tasks.