Returning two values with arguments in the function

Question

### The formulas for the area and perimeter.
def area(a, b, c):
    # calculate the sides
    s = (a + b + c) / 2
    # calculate the area
    areaValue = (s*(s-a)*(s-b)*(s-c)) ** 0.5
    # returning the output

    # Calculate the perimeter
    perimValue = a + b + c
    # returning the output.

    return areaValue,perimValue

areaV, perimeterV = area(a, b, c)

### The main function for the prompts and output.
def main():
    # The prompts. 
    a = int(input('Enter first side: '))
    b = int(input('Enter second side: '))
    c = int(input('Enter third side: '))

    # The output statements. 
    print ("The area is:", format(areaV(a, b, c),',.1f'),"and the perimeter is:", format(perimeterV(a, b, c), ',.1f'))

### Calling msin
main()

I am trying to return the two values from the area function but when I try to do so, I get an error saying the a b and c is not defined when I try to call the function.

Note: My instructor has told us that the area and the perimeter need to be calculated in only 1 function. They can't be separated.

Is there a way I can stop that error from happening?

You need to put the areaV, perimeterV = ... line after the part where you create a, b, and c. — BrenBarn
– BrenBarn, Commented Feb 16, 2015 at 21:38

Hackaholic · Accepted Answer · 2015-02-16 21:42:06Z

2

you need to put

areaV, perimeterV = area(a, b, c)

in the main after user input. Because a,b,c is defined in the scope of main function

it should be like this:

def main():
    # The prompts. 
    a = int(input('Enter first side: '))
    b = int(input('Enter second side: '))
    c = int(input('Enter third side: '))
    areaV, perimeterV = area(a, b, c)
    # The output statements. 
    print ("The area is:", format(areaV,',.1f'),"and the perimeter is:", format(perimeterV, ',.1f'))

edited Feb 16, 2015 at 21:42

answered Feb 16, 2015 at 21:38

Hackaholic

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2 Comments

Malik Brahimi Over a year ago

Because areaV and perimeterV are returned values, they can't be called in the formatting as functions of the three side lengths.

Sarah Hyland Over a year ago

Thanks, this worked perfectly. Will keep this in mind next time!

Hugh Bothwell · Accepted Answer · 2015-02-16 21:39:30Z

0

You cannot call areaV, perimeterV = area(a, b, c) until you have assigned values to a, b, c.

answered Feb 16, 2015 at 21:39

Hugh Bothwell

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