Question

Write function headers with comments for the tasks described below. a. Computing the larger of two integers b. Computing the smallest of three floating point numbers c. Checking whether an integer is a prime number, returning True if it is and False otherwise d. Checking whether a string is contained inside another string e. Computing the balance of an account with a given initial balance, an annual interest rate, and a number of years of carning interest f. Printing the halance of an account with a given initial balance and an annual interest rate over a given number of years 9\. Printing the calendar for a given month and ycar h. Computing the day of the week for a given day, month, and year (as a string such as "Monday") i. Generating a random integer between 1 and \(n\)

Short answer

Define function headers with comments for each task as outlined in the steps.

Step-by-step solution

Define Function Header for Larger of Two Integers

Write a function header `larger_of_two(int a, int b)` that takes two integers, `a` and `b`, and returns the larger of the two. Use the comment `# Computes the larger of two integers` to describe its purpose.

Define Function Header for Smallest of Three Floats

Write a function named `smallest_of_three(float x, float y, float z)` that takes three floating-point numbers and returns the smallest. Add a comment `# Computes the smallest of three floating point numbers` to explain the function's task.

Define Function Header for Prime Check

Create a function `is_prime(int n)` that returns a boolean value indicating whether `n` is a prime number. Include the comment `# Checks if an integer is a prime number` to describe what the function does.

Define Function Header for Substring Check

Write a function `is_substring(str sub, str main)` that checks if `sub` is contained within `main`. Add a comment `# Checks if a string is contained inside another string` to clarify its purpose.

Define Function Header for Account Balance Calculation

Create a function `calculate_balance(float initial_balance, float annual_rate, int years)` that computes the balance of an account. Add the comment `# Computes the balance of an account with given initial balance, annual interest rate, and number of years`.

Define Function Header for Printing Account Balance

Write a function header `print_balance(float initial_balance, float annual_rate, int years)` to print an account's balance over a given time. Attach a comment `# Prints the balance of an account with given initial balance, annual interest rate, over given years`.

Define Function Header for Printing Calendar

Create a function `print_calendar(int month, int year)` to print the calendar for a specific month and year. Use the comment `# Prints the calendar for a given month and year` to state its function.

Define Function Header for Day of Week Calculation

Write a function `day_of_week(int day, int month, int year)` that computes the day of the week for a specified date. Include the comment `# Computes the day of the week for a given date` to explain.

Define Function Header for Random Integer Generation

Create a function `generate_random(int n)` that returns a random integer between 1 and `n`. Add the comment `# Generates a random integer between 1 and n` to describe its use.

Key concepts

Function Headers

In Python programming, function headers define the structure of a function at its most basic level. The header consists of the function's name, its parameters enclosed in parentheses, and occasionally a type hint. The purpose of the function headers is to specify what inputs a function takes. Comments are also added right after the headers to explain the function's task. Essential practices when writing function headers include:

• Clearly naming the function to reflect its purpose.
• Specifying parameters that the function will utilize.
• Using comments to describe what the function does.

For example, the function header for computing the larger of two integers is defined as `larger_of_two(int a, int b)`, with the comment `# Computes the larger of two integers` to make its purpose clear.
Function headers act as the roadmap for what a Python function will perform, guiding both the coder and anyone else reading the code.

Python Programming

Python is a highly versatile programming language favored for its readability and broad range of applications, from web development to data science. Python supports the creation of functions, which are blocks of reusable code that perform specific tasks. Using functions effectively in Python involves understanding several key concepts:

• Reusability: Functions keep your code DRY (Don't Repeat Yourself), making it easier to manage and update.
• Modularity: By breaking code into functions, you can tackle complex problems by solving smaller, simpler ones first.
• Readability: Python’s syntax is easy to understand, which helps when you’re trying to debug or extend your code.

For example, writing a function `is_prime(int n)` can define how to check if a number is a prime, making that logic reusable whenever you need to perform a prime check. In the context of educational exercises, understanding these aspects can help new programmers grasp how Python works, and how efficiently structuring code with functions is crucial for software development.

Educational Coding

Educational coding focuses on teaching programmers the best practices and core concepts necessary to develop efficient and effective software solutions. When writing code, especially educational exercises, it's vital to reinforce:

• Documentation: Always use comments to explain what your code does, which helps both in learning and in practical applications.
• Structured Learning: Tackle problems step-by-step, such as breaking down a seemingly complex task into individual functions like computing account balance, as seen in `calculate_balance(float initial_balance, float annual_rate, int years)`.
• Experimentation: Encourage trying out different ways to solve problems to gain a deeper understanding of coding concepts.

Through exercises that involve writing function headers, learners are pushed to think about the problem-solving process and the logic behind each function. This educational approach demystifies programming, showing that each task, no matter how complex, can be approached methodically and solved with patience.