Just an input in Python

Question

I've just started learning Python. As this is my first language, don't be harsh on me if this is too easy. I can't figure out how to solve this. This is what i've programed:

a=input("Enter pyramid base size ")
H=input ("Enter pyramid height size ")
P=a*a+2*a*h
print (P)

But this comes out:

Enter pyramid base size 2
Enter pyramid height size 2
Traceback (most recent call last):
  File "D:\Program Files (x86)\Python\pyramid.py", line 3, in <module>
    P=a*a+2*a*h
TypeError: can't multiply sequence by non-int of type 'str'

Python is case sensitive so you need H instead of h: P=aa+2*aH — mr.freeze
– mr.freeze, Commented May 8, 2013 at 20:49

Kartik · Accepted Answer · 2013-05-08 22:49:49Z

3

The type of the input received is a string but for your equation, numbers are needed. You can convert your input to an integer or float and then do the math

a = int(a)
h = float(h)

Now you might need to check if the input can be converted into a number and you can do something like:

try:
  h = int(h)
except ValueError:
  print 'the input couldnt be converted into an integer'

Edit

So, here is what your code should look like

a = input("Enter pyramid base size ")
h = input ("Enter pyramid height size ")

try:
  a = int(a)
  h = int(a)
  p = a*a + 2*a*h

  print (p)
except: ValueError:
  print 'Input cannot be converted to an integer'

edited May 8, 2013 at 22:49

answered May 8, 2013 at 20:50

Kartik

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1 Comment

Puki Over a year ago

Sorry if bothering you, but as I am new and started learning Python today, this is advanced for me, and I still can't figure it out

thegrinner · Accepted Answer · 2013-05-08 20:51:16Z

1

Your inputs a and b are strings. While you can multiply a string by a number to repeat the string (for example, 'a' * 5 == 'aaaaa'), you cannot multiply a string by a string.

If you want P to be a number, wrap your input calls in int(input(...)).

answered May 8, 2013 at 20:51

thegrinner

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