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Functions – Parameters

Parameters are placeholders in a function definition that accept values when the function is called

Part of: Python Coding — Module 25, VCE Software Development - U3O1 - Programming — Module 80, VCE Software Development - U4O1 - development and evaluation — Module 61, 7-8 Digital Technologies: Programming in Python — Module 28, 9-10 Digital Technologies: Modular programs and algorithms — Module 2, VCE Applied Computing U1O2 Programming: Procedures and functions — Module 2, ACARA Digital Technologies Years 7–8 — Programming with Control Structures and Functions (Python) — Module 46, ACARA Digital Technologies Years 9–10 — Modular and Object-Oriented Programming (Python) — Module 2, QCE Digital Solutions Unit 1 — Algorithms and Programming Techniques — Module 62, QCE Digital Solutions Unit 1 — Programmed Solutions — Module 42, QCE Digital Solutions Unit 2 — Prototype Data Solutions — Module 68, QCE Digital Solutions Unit 4 — Prototype Digital Data Exchanges — Module 28, WA Computer Science ATAR Year 11 — Control Structures and Data Types — Module 38, WA Computer Science ATAR Year 11 — Modular Programming — Module 15

Understanding Functions – Parameters in Python

What it does: 'Alice' is passed as the argument for the parameter 'name'. Multiple parameters are separated by commas in the def line. Parameters are the names in the def line — they receive the argument values. Arguments are the values you pass when calling the function. 3 goes to a, 5 goes to b — a + b = 8. def func(a, b, c): is perfectly valid — separate with commas. greet() expects one argument (name) but none was given — TypeError. Two calls to show() — each call prints once, so two lines print.

Common mistakes: Missing colon after the parameter list. Parameters don't use quotes: name is a variable, not a string.

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This module's key terms are also in a printable crossword (Modules 21–30) and word search (Modules 21–40).

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Each concept is reinforced from every angle — learned, then applied, then tested.

Learning
Duo
What is a parameter?
A variable in the function definitionThe function name
Matches
❌ def add(a, b): return a + b add(3)
↓
Error: Missing argument for b
Applying
Meanings
Term
Parameter
Meaning
A variable name in the function definition that receives data.
Practice
def greet(name):
Testing
Gaps
def greet():
Check Answer
Spots
1def greet(name)
2 msg = 'Hi ' + name

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Quick Questions

1. What is a parameter?
A. The function name
B. A variable in the function definition ✓
Parameters are the names in the def line — they receive the argument values
2. What is an argument?
A. The actual value passed to a function ✓
B. The function name
Arguments are the values you pass when calling the function
3. def greet(name):\n print('Hi ' + name)\ngreet('Bob')\nWhat prints?
A. Hi Bob ✓
B. Hi name
'Bob' is passed as the argument, stored in 'name', then printed
4. def add(a, b):\n print(a + b)\nadd(3, 5)\nWhat prints?
A. 35
B. 8 ✓
3 goes to a, 5 goes to b — a + b = 8
5. Can a function have multiple parameters?
A. Yes separated by commas ✓
B. No only one
def func(a, b, c): is perfectly valid — separate with commas

Match the Pairs

def add(a, b): return a + b add(3) → Error: Missing argument for b
def greet(name): print('Hi ' + name) greet('Al', 'Bob') → Error: Too many arguments
def greet(name): print('Hi ' + name) greet('Alice') → Valid: One parameter, one arg
def add(a, b): return a + b → Ok: Two parameters
def square(n): return n * n print(square(4)) → Output: 16
def add(a, b): return a + b print(add(3, 5)) → Output: 8

Key Term

Parameter
A variable name in the function definition that receives data.~~Argument

Fill in the Blanks

1. def greet(name): print('Hi ' + name) greet('Alice')
2. def add(a, b): print(a + b) add(3, 5)
3. def greet(name): print('Hi ' + name) greet(Alice)
4. def double(number): print(number * 2) double(5)
5. def show(x, y): print(x + y) show(5, 10)

Spot the Error

Question 1
A def greet(name)
B msg = 'Hi ' + name
C print(msg)
D print('Goodbye!')
E greet('Alice')
Line A — Missing colon after the parameter list
Question 2
A def greet('name'):
B msg = 'Hi ' + name
C print(msg)
D print('Goodbye!')
E greet('Alice')
Line A — Parameters don't use quotes: name is a variable, not a string
Question 3
A def add(a b):
B result = a + b
C print('Sum:', result)
D return result
E add(3, 5)
Line A — Multiple parameters must be separated by commas
Question 4
A def greet(name):
B print('Hi ' + name)
C
D greet()
Line D — Missing argument: greet expects a name but got nothing
Question 5
A def greet(name):
B print('Hi ' + name)
C
D greet('Alice', 'Bob')
Line D — Too many arguments: function takes 1 but got 2

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