Exam-style question
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Explain the difference between a subroutine that returns a value and a subroutine that only displays a value. Include a Python 3 example showing how a returned value can be used in the calling routine.
Model answer
What a good answer should say
- A subroutine that returns a value sends that value back to the calling routine, where it can be assigned to a variable or used in an expression.
- For example: def square(number): return number * number answer = square(5) The returned value is 25, so answer stores 25.
- Displaying a value is different because it only outputs information to the screen; it does not provide a value for the calling routine to use in a calculation.
Explanation
Why this works
The key distinction is that return transfers a value to the caller, while displaying a value only produces output. In the example, square(5) returns 25 and the calling routine stores that value in answer, allowing it to be used later.
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