← Python

Functions – Return Values

return sends a value back from a function to the caller

What it does: The returned value is stored in 'result'. result = 10. Functions can return booleans. n % 2 == 0 is True when n is even. return passes a value out of the function — print only displays it. add() returns 3+5=8, which is stored in result. double(5) returns 5*2=10, then print() displays it. A returned value can be used anywhere a value is expected. return immediately exits the function — any code after it is unreachable. 4 % 2 = 0, so 0 == 0 is True.

Common mistakes: Using print instead of return: result will be None because print doesn't send back a value. Code after return never runs: move print before return.

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Learning

Duo

What does return do?

Sends a value back to the callerPrints a value

Matches

❌ def double(n): return n * 2 print('done')

↓

Error: Code after return unreachable

Applying

Meanings

Term

return

Meaning

Sends a value back to the code that called the function.

Practice

def add(a, b):

Testing

Gaps

a + b

Check Answer

Spots

1def add(a, b):

2 print(a + b)

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Quick Questions

1. What does return do?

A. Sends a value back to the caller ✓

B. Prints a value

return passes a value out of the function — print only displays it

2. def add(a, b):\n return a + b\nresult = add(3, 5)\nWhat is result?

A. None

B. 8 ✓

add() returns 3+5=8, which is stored in result

3. What's the difference between return and print?

A. return sends data back, print only displays ✓

B. They are the same

print is for display only — return gives the value back to be used

4. What does a function return if there's no return statement?

A. 0

B. None ✓

Python functions return None by default when there's no return statement

5. def double(n):\n return n * 2\nprint(double(5))\nWhat prints?

A. 10 ✓

B. 5

double(5) returns 5*2=10, then print() displays it

Match the Pairs

def double(n): return n * 2 print('done') → Error: Code after return unreachable

def greet(): print('Hi') result = greet() print(result + '!') → Error: greet() returns None

def double(n): return n * 2 result = double(5) → Valid: result stores 10

def is_even(n): return n % 2 == 0 → Ok: Returns True or False

def double(n): return n * 2 print(double(4)) → Output: 8

def hi(): print('Hello') print(hi()) → Output: Hello None

Key Term

return

Sends a value back to the code that called the function.~~Return value

Fill in the Blanks

1. def add(a, b): return a + b result = add(3, 5)

2. def double(n): return n * 2 print(double(5))

3. def square(n): return n ** 2

4. def greet(name): return 'Hello ' + name msg = greet('Al')

5. def is_even(n): return n % 2 == 0

Spot the Error

Question 1

A def add(a, b):

B print(a + b)

D result = add(3, 5)

E print(result)

Line B — Using print instead of return: result will be None because print doesn't send back a value

Question 2

A def double(n):

B result = n * 2

C return result

D print('Done')

E print(double(5))

Line D — Code after return never runs: move print before return

Question 3

A def add(a, b):

B total = a + b

C return total

D print('Adding...')

E print(add(3, 5))

Line C — return must be indented inside the function

Question 4

A def add(a, b):

B total = a + b

C Return total

D print('Adding...')

E print(add(3, 5))

Line C — return must be lowercase: Return is not valid Python

Question 5

A def double(n):

B result = n * 2

C return(result)

D print('Done')

E print(double(5))

Line C — return is a keyword, not a function: parentheses are unnecessary (but this technically works)

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