Data types, conversion, variables and constants

Overview

Integer, real, Boolean and string in Python, a character as a one-letter string, converting input with int() and str(), and constants in capitals.

What you need to know

Answer each one before you reveal it.

Questions from this subtopic

Each one with the model answer underneath.

1. 1

   Which Python data types store a whole number and a number with a decimal part?

   Model answer

   A whole number is stored as an integer, type int. A number with a decimal part is stored as a real, type float.

2. 2

   What values can a Boolean hold, and what is one used for?

   Model answer

   A Boolean holds either True or False. A Boolean suits a flag such as found, or the result of a test.

3. 3

   Describe how Python stores a single character.

   Model answer

   Python stores a character as a string of length one, type str. A value such as "Y" is a one-character string.

4. 4

   Which data types suit a pupil’s name, age, height in metres and whether they have paid?

   Model answer

   The name is a string and the age is an integer. The height is a real and the paid flag is a Boolean.

5. 5

   Which data type should hold a telephone number such as 07700 900123, and why?

   Model answer

   A telephone number should be held as a string. The number is never used in arithmetic, and an integer would lose the leading zero.

6. 6

   How does Python decide a variable’s data type?

   Model answer

   Python takes the data type from the value assigned. The statement price = 2.5 makes price a float.

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