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Python Python Collections (2016, retired 2019) Lists Shopping List Take Three

Posted by craigs love
.a{fill-rule:evenodd;}techdegree
craigs love
Python Web Development Techdegree Student 83 Points

Can any one tell how to abs(int(position) work 

abs(int(position)

???????

1 Answer

Steven Parker
Steven Parker
231,269 Points
Steven Parker
Steven Parker
231,269 Points

First, you need to balance the parentheses:

abs(int(position))   # <-- note extra ")" was needed

Then, since "position" was assigned by calling "input", it is a string containing what was typed in. So "int" will convert that string into a number that can be used for calculations in a later step.

And just in case the number is negative (such as if the person had typed "-3"), the "abs" function then converts it to the positive equivalent (such as "3" in this example).

So using both functions together converts the input from a string into a number and guarantees that it is positive.

craigs love
.a{fill-rule:evenodd;}techdegree
craigs love
Python Web Development Techdegree Student 83 Points

Thanks Steven Parker.