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Python Python Basics (2015) Number Game App Squared

Posted by Jim Garman
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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 68,423 Points
Chris Freeman
Chris Freeman
Treehouse Moderator 68,423 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.