Question

Write a function named biggest that receives three integer arguments and returns the largest of the three values.

Short answer

Question: Create a function called "biggest" that accepts three integer arguments and returns the largest among them. Answer: To create the function "biggest", you can follow these steps: 1. Define the function with three parameters (a, b, c) for the input integers: ```python def biggest(a, b, c): ... ``` 2. Compare a and b using the `max()` function to find the maximum value between them: ```python max_ab = max(a, b) ``` 3. Compare the maximum value of a and b (max_ab) with c using the `max()` function again to find the largest value among a, b, and c: ```python largest_value = max(max_ab, c) ``` 4. Return the largest value found as the output of the function: ```python return largest_value ``` The complete "biggest" function should look like this: ```python def biggest(a, b, c): max_ab = max(a, b) largest_value = max(max_ab, c) return largest_value ```

Step-by-step solution

Define the function

First, define a function named "biggest" with three parameters (a, b, and c) representing the input integers. For example: ```python def biggest(a, b, c): pass ```

Compare a and b

Next, compare the first two integers (a and b) to find the larger one. Use the built-in `max()` function to find the maximum value between a and b. For example: ```python max_ab = max(a, b) ```

Compare the maximum value of a and b with c

Now, compare the maximum value found in Step 2 with the third integer (c) using the `max()` function again. This will give us the largest value among a, b, and c. For example: ```python largest_value = max(max_ab, c) ```

Return the largest value

Finally, return the largest value found in Step 3 as the output of the function. The function should now look like this: ```python def biggest(a, b, c): max_ab = max(a, b) largest_value = max(max_ab, c) return largest_value ``` Now, the function is complete and can return the largest value among the three input integers.

Key concepts

Return Statement

A return statement is an essential feature in C++ that allows a function to send a value back to the part of the program that called it. This concept is pivotal when creating functions that perform calculations or computations and provide the results.
For instance, in the function "biggest" from the original exercise, the return statement is used to output the largest of the three integers that the function processes.
Unlike simply printing a result, the return statement hands over the value, meaning the function's caller can use it again within the program.
A C++ return statement can be seen in a simple code snippet:

• return x; - Exits the function, returning the value of x to the function's caller.

Using a return statement is crucial in modular programming since it allows different parts of a program to communicate efficiently by passing around data processed within a function. This approach streamlines code management and enhances program scalability.

Parameters and Arguments

Parameters and arguments are terms in C++ that relate to functions. Parameters are the variables listed in a function's declaration, while arguments are the actual values passed to the function when it is called.
When you define a function, like "biggest" in the original exercise, you specify parameters; here they are the three integers: int a, int b, int c. These parameters serve as placeholders for the values that function will operate on.

• Parameters: These appear in the function prototype and are used within the function's scope.
• Arguments: These are provided by the caller to execute the function and fill in the parameter values.

Effectively using parameters allows a single function to work with different data values while maintaining its core logic. Arguments can be literals, variables, or even complex data types, making functions both flexible and reusable.
They are key for creating time-efficient and concise code, as they avoid the need for numerous specialized functions, letting one function handle varied data inputs.

Conditional Statements

Conditional statements in C++ guide the flow of a program by executing actions based on specific conditions or comparisons. The "biggest" function in the exercise primarily uses such logic in determining which integer is the largest among the three.
Though the exercise uses the built-in max() function to simplify this decision-making, understanding conditional logic directly is crucial.

• If Statement: Executes code blocks when a condition evaluates to true.
• Else Statement: Offers alternative action if the initial if condition is false.
• Else if Ladder: Evaluates multiple conditions in sequence.

A typical pattern for finding the largest of three values manually might involve nested if and else statements, with logical operators deciding each step. For example:
``` if (a > b) { if (a > c) return a; else return c; } else { if (b > c) return b; else return c; } ``` Learning to harness these statements effectively allows developers to write more efficient code with controlled and predictable behavior guided by logical decisions inherent in the problem-solving process.