Functions, Parameters & Return Values — Lesson 2: Working with two inputs

New skill: Parameters and arguments
Previously learned: Unit 02 — data types, variables, expressions

Why this matters

Functions can have more than one parameter. An argument is the actual value supplied for a parameter when a function is called.

def perimeter(width, height):
    return 2 * (width + height)

print(perimeter(3, 5))

When called with (3, 5), width is 3 and height is 5. The expression calculates the perimeter and returns 16.

Before moving on, trace each line of the example by hand. Predict the result before running it in the browser.

What would the example return for width 2 and height 4?

Don’t swap parameters accidentally when their positions have different meanings.

Complete calculate_pay(hours, rate) to return the total pay calculated by multiplying hours by the hourly rate.

Example 1 — Input

calculate_pay(3, 12)

Output

Example 2 — Input

calculate_pay(0, 14)

Output

Example 3 — Input

calculate_pay(2, 7.5)

Output

15.0

Starter file: main.py

Use Run to experiment and Check to compare against published examples. A passing public example does not automatically establish mastery.

Hint 1 — Identify the key concept

Look at which parameter is hours and which is rate.

Hint 2 — Find an approach

A multiplication expression produces the total pay.

Hint 3 — Check your answer

Return the numeric answer.

Write a short explanation of why your code works. What input or change would make it behave differently?