Numbers & arithmetic · About 7 minutes

The cookie calculator

The big little idea

Python can do the math for your inventions. Use + to add, - to subtract, * to multiply, and / to divide. Numbers do not need quotation marks.

friends = 4
cookies_each = 3
print(friends * cookies_each)

Python uses the usual order of operations: multiplication and division before addition and subtraction. Parentheses let you choose what happens first. The // operator divides and rounds down to a whole number.

Predict, then try: read the example from top to bottom. What do you think it will print? Copy it into the editor below to test your prediction.

Your turn, code explorer.

You have 5 friends. Each gets 4 cookies. You bake 3 extra cookies for Bit. Use the variables to print the total: 23.

Output goal

Your code

friends = 5
cookies_each = 4
extra = 3
print(friends + cookies_each + extra)

Edit the code. Then run it. Ctrl / ⌘ + Enter also works.

OutputYOUR IDEAS, ALIVE

Your program’s output will appear here.

Ready when you are. ✦

The first run loads Python. This can take a moment.

Program input For programs that use input()

Answers, one per line, in the order your program asks

Add answers before you run. Each input() reads the next line. Use made-up names and details.

Real Python, powered by Pyodide. Standard-library programs work here; desktop windows, turtle graphics, and package installation are not supported by this editor. Programs stop after 10 seconds of execution.

A little hint, please

Multiply the number of friends by cookies_each first, then add extra.

Show one possible solution

There can be more than one way. Read this version, then try writing it yourself.

friends = 5
cookies_each = 4
extra = 3
print(friends * cookies_each + extra)

Pack this idea for later: A tiny formula can power a useful calculator.