lab1

Topics: Python functions with one and more arguments.

Relevant supplementary videos :

• 2: installing and finding python

• 3: using Spyder

• 6: functions

• 7: functions with docstrings

• 42: Computing lab demo tutorial: how to read feedback messages. Also watch this video if you do not know where to start.

Relevant Socratica video:

• Functions

square_area(a)

Implement a function square_area(a) that computes and returns the area \(A = a^2\) of a square with edge lengths \(a\) and \(a\). In Python, to compute the square of a variable a you can write a**2, or just a*a.

Example (Python prompt):

>>> square_area(1)
1
>>> square_area(4)
16

Example (IPython prompt):

In [ ]: square_area(1)
Out[ ]: 1

In [ ]: square_area(4)
Out[ ]: 16

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rectangle_area(a, b)

Write a function rectangle_area(a, b) that accepts two arguments a and b. The arguments a and b are expected to be numbers (such as floats and ints) that describe the edge lengths of a rectangle. The function should compute and return the area of that rectangle (i.e. a*b).

Examples (IPython prompt)

In  [ ]: rectangle_area(1, 2)
Out [ ]: 2

In  [ ]: rectangle_area(1.5, 10)
Out [ ]: 15.0

In  [ ]: rectangle_area(0, 0.5)
Out [ ]: 0

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pyramid_volume(A, h)

Implement a function pyramid_volume(A, h) that computes and returns the volume V of a pyramid with base area A and height h. You can use \(V = \frac{1}{3}Ah\).

Example (Python prompt):

>>> pyramid_volume(1, 2)
0.6666666666666666

Example (IPython prompt):

In [ ]: pyramid_volume(1, 2)
Out[ ]: 0.6666666666666666

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distance(a, b)

Write a function distance(a, b) that returns the distance between numbers a and b. You can use the abs(x) function in Python to compute the absolute value of the number x.

Examples:

>>> distance(3, 4)
1
>>> distance(3, 1)
2

Examples (IPython):

In [ ]: distance(3, 4)
Out[ ]: 1

In [ ]: distance(3, 1)
Out[ ]: 2

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box_volume(a, b, c)

Implement a function box_volume(a, b, c) that calculates and returns the volume of a cuboid with edge lengths a, b, c. The volume \(V\) of a cuboid with edge lengts \(a\), \(b\) and \(c\) is given by \(V= a b c\).

Examples:

In [ ]: box_volume(1, 1, 1)
Out[ ]: 1

In [ ]: box_volume(1, 2, 3.5)
Out[ ]: 7.0

In [ ]: box_volume(1, 1, 0)
Out[ ]: 0

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Once you have completed the tasks by implementing the solutions in a file with name lab1.py, please submit this Computing lab1 assignment on blackboard. (Should the link not work, then start on the blackboard module FEEG1201 and then –> “Semester 1: Computing (Python)” –> “Computing lab1”.)

You should soon (within a few minutes) receive by email a report containing feedback through an automated analysis of your code. If the automated analysis says that some test failed, you can change your code and re-submit the modified lab1.py as the same assignment. You can repeat this as often as you want, and the feedback can help you to remove all errors over time.

We urge you to improve and re-submit your work until you pass all tests. Ask the demonstrators in your scheduled laboratory session for advice to interpret the error messages you may have received in your feedback email if tests have failed. The error messsages are standard Python error messages so it is an important skill to be able to read and understand those (beyond the purpose of this learning activity).

If you do not know how to start, you may find the beginning of Supplementary video 42 helpful (link above).

Additional (voluntary) tasks are available in lab1-extra.

End of lab1.