Lesson 21 of 30

Lesson 21 ? Mini calculator

Title: Build a calculator with functions

Description: Make small functions for adding, subtracting, multiplying, and dividing.

Why it matters for kids: A calculator project shows how functions can work together.


1. Add numbers

pythonpython
def add(first_number, second_number):
    return first_number + second_number

print(add(3, 4))
print(add(10, 5))

2. More operations

pythonpython
def subtract(first_number, second_number):
    return first_number - second_number

def multiply(first_number, second_number):
    return first_number * second_number

print(subtract(10, 3))
print(multiply(4, 5))

3. Ask the user

pythonpython
first_number = int(input("First number: "))
second_number = int(input("Second number: "))

print("Sum:", first_number + second_number)

4. Choose an operation

pythonpython
operation = input("Choose + or -: ")
first_number = int(input("First number: "))
second_number = int(input("Second number: "))

if operation == "+":
    print(first_number + second_number)
elif operation == "-":
    print(first_number - second_number)
else:
    print("Unknown operation.")

5. Easy examples

pythonpython
def divide(first_number, second_number):
    return first_number / second_number

print(divide(12, 3))
pythonpython
def square(number):
    return number * number

print(square(6))
pythonpython
def add_bonus(score):
    return score + 10

print(add_bonus(50))

6. Mini challenge

Click each example to open it.

Example 1

Create an add function.

Example 2

Create a subtract function.

Example 3

Create a multiply function.

Example 4

Create a divide function.

Example 5

Ask for the first number.

Example 6

Ask for the second number.

Example 7

Print the sum.

Example 8

Let the user choose plus.

Example 9

Let the user choose minus.

Example 10

Add multiply to the menu.