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String Repetition

The * operator repeats a string a given number of times

Part of: Python Coding — Module 8, QCE Digital Solutions Unit 1 — Programmed Solutions — Module 24

Understanding String Repetition in Python

What it does: String * int repeats the string that many times. Great for drawing separator lines. Multiplying a string by 0 returns an empty string — perfectly valid. * repeats the string — no spaces are added between repetitions. The string '-' is repeated 3 times with no gaps. String repetition produces no spaces — just the character 10 times. 'Python' repeated twice with no separator. The number can go on either side — 10 * '*' is the same as '*' * 10. String repetition requires an integer multiplier. 2.5 is a float and causes a TypeError.

Common mistakes: Line 2 uses x instead of *. Should be: line = "-" * 10. Line 3 is missing quotes around -. Should be: separator = "-" * 15.

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Free printable worksheet with full answer key — or add this module to a class and your students practise it interactively.

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This module's key terms are also in a printable crossword (Modules 1–10) and word search (Modules 1–20).

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Learning
Duo
What is "*" * 5?
****** * * * *
Matches
❌ 'Ha' * 2.5
↓
Error: Multiplier must be int
Applying
Meanings
Term
"*" * 10
Meaning
* repeats the string - "*" * 10 gives **********.
Practice
laugh = "Ha" * 5
Testing
Gaps
line = "-" 20
Check Answer
Spots
1stars = "*" * 5
2line = "-" x 10

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Quick Questions

1. What is "*" * 5?
A. * * * * *
B. ***** ✓
* repeats the string — no spaces are added between repetitions
2. What is "-" * 3?
A. --- ✓
B. - - -
The string '-' is repeated 3 times with no gaps
3. What is "Ha" * 3?
A. HaHaHa ✓
B. Ha Ha Ha
The whole string 'Ha' is repeated back-to-back — no spaces added
4. What is "=" * 10?
A. = = = = = = = = = =
B. ========== ✓
String repetition produces no spaces — just the character 10 times
5. Does "*" * 5 add spaces?
A. No ✓
B. Yes
* just repeats the exact string — spaces only appear if the string contains them

Match the Pairs

'Ha' * 2.5 → Error: Multiplier must be int
'abc' * 'abc' → Error: Can't multiply str by str
line = '-' * 20 → Valid: Repeats - 20 times
'Ha' * 0 → Ok: Returns empty string
print('Ha' * 3) → Output: HaHaHa
print('*' * 5) → Output: *****

Key Term

"*" * 10
* repeats the string - "*" * 10 gives **********.~~"-" * 5

Fill in the Blanks

1. line = "-" * 20 # Output: --------------------
2. stars = "*" * 10 # Output: **********
3. border = "=" * 15 # Output: ===============
4. laugh = "Ha" * 3 # Output: HaHaHa
5. separator = 20 * "-" # Output: --------------------

Spot the Error

Question 1
A stars = "*" * 5
B line = "-" x 10
C print(line)
Line B — Line 2 uses x instead of *. Should be: line = "-" * 10
Question 2
A border = "=" * 20
B laugh = "Ha" * 3
C separator = - * 15
D print(separator)
Line C — Line 3 is missing quotes around -. Should be: separator = "-" * 15
Question 3
A stars = "*" * 10
B line = "-" * "5"
C print(line)
Line B — Line 2 puts the number in quotes. Use: line = "-" * 5
Question 4
A pattern = "ABC" * 3
B line = "-" * 20
C dots = "." 5
D print(dots)
Line C — Line 3 is missing *. Should be: dots = "." * 5
Question 5
A border1 = "#" * 10
B border2 = 15 * "#"
C laugh = Ha * 3
D print(laugh)
Line C — Line 3 is missing quotes. Should be: laugh = "Ha" * 3

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