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Python Python Basics (2015) Logic in Python Try and Except

Posted by ashitaachuthan
ashitaachuthan
2,169 Points

I'm able to get this code to work in Terminal but not in the workspace. Why am I seeing a value error in the workspace?

my function adds two numbers and stores it into a variable called "total" which converts the (int) arguments into floats.

When I call the function, I pass it 2 integer parameters. It works when I run the code in terminal but I'm not sure why I'm getting the ValueError.

trial.py 
def add(num1, num2):
  total = float(num1 + num2)
  return total

mynum = add(3,4)
print(mynum)
ashitaachuthan
ashitaachuthan
2,169 Points

Ok. So I modified the code to do this and it worked. 

def add(num1, num2):
  return (float(num1) + float(num2))
tobiaskrause
tobiaskrause
9,160 Points

I just want to mention something: A LOT of stuff can "work" in the Terminal or your IDE...A LOT But in these challanges on treehouse it does not matter if you can just compile your code. The code has to return the values the instructor wanted AND you have to use the methods that are required.

Just sayin ;) always read what answer is exactly required and how you should create the solution... Most mistakes ins this forum are not by people who dont understand how to code the solution...most of the time they just dont read carefully enough...or they miss something.

1 Answer

Chris Freeman
MOD
Chris Freeman
Treehouse Moderator 68,441 Points
Chris Freeman
Chris Freeman
Treehouse Moderator 68,441 Points

The issue is when the arguments are both strings. If the concatenation occurs before converting to float(), say, "2.5" and "5.2", then float() is run on "2.55.2" which raises the error. Instead use float() on each argument:

def add(num1, num2):
    total = float(num1) + float(num2)
    return total