Question

Write a function, named timesTen, that accepts an integer argument. When the function is called, it should display the product of its argument multiplied times 10 .

Short answer

Question: Create a function named `timesTen` that takes an integer argument and returns the product of its argument multiplied by 10. Answer: ```python def timesTen(n): n_times_10 = n * 10 return n_times_10 ```

Step-by-step solution

Define the function

First, we need to define a function called `timesTen` that accepts a single integer `n` as its argument. In Python, we would write this as `def timesTen(n):`

Multiply the argument by 10

Inside the function, we need to find the product of the given integer `n` multiplied by 10. We can perform this multiplication simply by writing `n_times_10 = n * 10`.

Display the result

After calculating the product, we need to display the result. This can be done using the print() function, like this: `print(n_times_10)`.

Complete the function

Now, we need to complete the function by putting the multiplication and display steps together. Here's the final function: ```python def timesTen(n): n_times_10 = n * 10 print(n_times_10) ```

Test the function with sample input

Finally, we need to test the function with some sample inputs to ensure the function is working correctly. For example, we can call the function with the integer 5 as its argument: `timesTen(5)`. This should display the result 50, as 5 multiplied by 10 is 50.

Key concepts

Multiplication

In Python, multiplication is a basic arithmetic operation that involves calculating the product of two numbers. It's a straightforward process where you take two values and combine them into a single result by multiplying them together. When you see `n * 10` in the given function, it means that the integer `n` is being multiplied by 10.
This operation is so fundamental that it can be performed with ease using Python's arithmetic operators. Multiplication is performed using the asterisk symbol `*`, which is easily used in Python for multiplying numbers or variables.
Here's how multiplication is typically used:

• If `n = 7`, then `n * 10` results in `70`.
• This calculation is intuitive, as you are simply calculating how many times `10` fits into `n`.

The beauty of Python is that it allows you to handle these operations seamlessly, which can be seen in constructing functions like the one discussed.

Function Definition

In Python, a function is a named block of code designed to perform a specific task. Function definition is key as it marks the start of writing a function. Our task required us to define a function that calculates the product of a number and prints it. This function is named `timesTen`.
To define a function, you use the `def` keyword, followed by the function name and its parameters in parentheses. For this particular function:

• `def timesTen(n):` defines the function `timesTen` and accepts a single parameter `n`, which denotes the integer input from the user.

The key steps to remember are:

• Choose a descriptive name: It helps in understanding the purpose just by looking at the name.
• List any parameters inside the parentheses: These act as placeholders for the values you provide when you call the function.

After defining it, a function won’t execute until it’s called. That's why clear function definitions are crucial for consistency and flexibility of code.

Displaying Output

Once you've manipulated data or calculated something within a function, you'll often want to display the results. In Python, this is remarkably easy with the `print()` function. In the `timesTen` function, after multiplying `n` by 10, the result is stored in the variable `n_times_10`.
The act of displaying output involves calling `print(n_times_10)`, which sends the result to the standard output, usually your screen.
Here are the points to consider when displaying output:

• Use the `print()` function to visualize data, making your function's outcome accessible and verifiable.
• Ensure that you print meaningful outcomes that directly reflect the intended result of your calculations.
• Clear output aids in understanding what your code is computing, thus aiding in debugging and enhancing readability.

Displaying results not only confirms that the code works as expected but also helps the user understand what each function does, serving both educational and practical purposes.