Welcome to the Treehouse Community

Want to collaborate on code errors? Have bugs you need feedback on? Looking for an extra set of eyes on your latest project? Get support with fellow developers, designers, and programmers of all backgrounds and skill levels here with the Treehouse Community! While you're at it, check out some resources Treehouse students have shared here.

Looking to learn something new?

Treehouse offers a seven day free trial for new students. Get access to thousands of hours of content and join thousands of Treehouse students and alumni in the community today.

Start your free trial

Python Python Basics (2015) Number Game App Squared

Posted by Jim Garman
.a{fill-rule:evenodd;}techdegree
Jim Garman
Python Web Development Techdegree Student 1,716 Points

Squared Question - "TypeError: can't multiply sequence by non-int of type 'str'"

I can get versions of these to work in the workspaces, but I can't seem to get it right in the code challenge box. Any tips?

squared.py 
###First Attempt###
def squared(item):
    try:
        answer = int(item * item)
    except ValueError:
        string_length = int(len(item))
        answer = string_lenth * item

###Second Try###
def squared(item):
    try:
        float(item)
        return(item ** 2)
    except ValueError:
        return(len(item)) * item

1 Answer

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

Your first attempt is very close. A few fixes are needed:

answer = int(item) * int(item) # convert separately

answer = string_length * item  # typo in string_length

return answer # remember to return something

Post back if you need more help. Good luck!!!

Jim Garman
.a{fill-rule:evenodd;}techdegree
Jim Garman
Python Web Development Techdegree Student 1,716 Points

Wildy helpful. Thank you! The typo is especially embarassing.