Python Numbers
A number is written with no quotes. 2 is a number. "2" is text, the kind the last page stored when you typed. This page writes the number in the file. It does not read a typed line, and it does not add text.
Adding writes the result
print(2 + 3) adds, then writes the result. The output is 5. It is not the characters 2 + 3, and the 5 has no quotes around it.
print(2 + 3)
A name can hold a number
cups = 2 stores the number 2 under the name cups. print(cups) writes 2. There are no quotes in the file and none in the output. The = stores, as it did for text. Here the stored value is a number.
cups = 2
print(cups)
Division keeps the fraction
print(5 / 2) divides 5 by 2. The output is 2.5, not 2. The slash keeps the half. 2.5 is a number with a decimal point. Python calls a whole number an int and a number with a decimal point a float. You do not need those names to read the output.
print(5 / 2)
Each row is one expression and the line print writes. Nothing here is quoted text.
📊 What print writes
| Expression | Output |
|---|---|
| 2 + 3 | 5 |
| 5 / 2 | 2.5 |
| cups after cups = 2 | 2 |
The same-looking 2
print(2) and print("2") both show a 2 on the screen. Only the first is a number you can add on this page. print("2 + 3") would show the characters 2 + 3, because the quotes make text. This page leaves the quotes off.
Left for the next page
The line someone types is still text. Turning that text into a number is later. The next page is text in quotes: a string of characters. Arithmetic stays the numbers you write here.
Check yourself
- print(2 + 3) writes 5.
- cups = 2 then print(cups) writes 2.
- print(5 / 2) writes 2.5, not 2.
- "2" is text. 2 is a number.
Misses
- Expecting the characters 2 + 3 from print(2 + 3)
- Expecting 2 from print(5 / 2)
- Putting quotes around 2 and still expecting a sum
- Treating the typed 3 from the last page as a number already
- Reading 2.5 as two separate numbers
Keep
- A number has no quotes. print(2 + 3) writes 5.
- cups = 2 stores a number. print(cups) writes 2.
- print(5 / 2) writes 2.5. The slash keeps the fraction.
- "2" is text. It can look like 2 on the screen and still not be a number.
- The next page is text in quotes.
🧠 Test Your Knowledge
Test Your Knowledge
Challenge yourself with this interactive quiz and see how well you understand the topic
📝 Instructions
- Read each question carefully
- Select the best answer for each question
- You can retake the quiz as many times as you want
- Your progress will be shown at the top