Functions with Return Values: Getting Results

Learning Objectives Define what a 'return value' is and why it's useful in programming. Write a function that uses the 'return' keyword to send back a calculated result. Call a function and store its return value in a variable for later use. Use the return value of a function directly inside a conditional statement (like an if/else block). Use the return value from a function as part of a mathematical calculation. Explain the difference between a function that prints a value and a function that returns a value. Have you ever used a calculator and wondered how it gives you the answer *back* after you press the equals button? 🤔 That's exactly what we're learning about today! We're going to learn how to make our functions give results b...

TermDefinitionExample FunctionA named block of code that performs a specific task, like a recipe for the computer to follow.`def say_hello():` is the start of a function named `say_hello`. Return ValueThe single piece of information or data that a function sends back to the program after it has finished running.If a function `add(2, 3)` runs, its return value would be `5`. return keywordThe special command in code that tells a function what value to send back. It also stops the function immediately.`return total_score` sends the value stored in the `total_score` variable back to the program. Call a FunctionThe act of telling the program to run the code inside a function.Typing `calculate_area(10, 5)` calls the `calculate_area` function. Store a ValueSaving the result from a function (its...

The 'return' Keyword Pattern def function_name(parameters): # code to calculate something result = ... return result Inside your function, do your calculations and then use the `return` keyword followed by the variable or value you want to send back. The function stops right after the `return` statement. Capturing the Return Value result_variable = function_name(arguments) To use the result from a function, you must 'catch' it in a variable. When you call the function, put a variable name and an equals sign (`=`) in front of it. Using the Return Value Directly if get_score() > 100: print("High score!") You can use a function call directly in places where you would normally use a value, like in a conditional check or a math pro...