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 Kelly Huntson
Kelly Huntson
814 Points

I cannot understand the question

All the other activities were easy for me but I really cannot understand this one. Can anyone help?

squared.py 
# EXAMPLES
# squared(5) would return 25
# squared("2") would return 4
# squared("tim") would return "timtimtim"

def squared(arg1):
    while arg1 == int:
        try:
            square = arg1 * arg1
            return square

        except ValueError:
            return len(arg1)* arg1

2 Answers

Umesh Ravji
Umesh Ravji
42,386 Points
Umesh Ravji
Umesh Ravji
42,386 Points

Hi Kelly, it looks like you understand the question, and are almost there.

Remove the while loop, there's no need for one here (nor do I believe you can use it the way that you have). Use int() to convert the argument to an integer, and your done.

def squared(arg1):
    try:
        square = int(arg1) * int(arg1)
        return square
    except ValueError:
        return len(arg1) * arg1

Alternatively square can be calculated using:

square = int(arg1) ** 2
Kelly Huntson
Kelly Huntson
814 Points
Kelly Huntson
Kelly Huntson
814 Points

Ohh I see. Thank you so much for your kind support.