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Programming Assignment Unit 4
UNIVERSITY OF THE PEOPLE
CS 1101 - Programming Fundamentals
Mike Augustine
May 08, 2025
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Unit 4: Functions and Return Values
Part 1:
Project: Calculator using Incremental Development
Goal: Create a function hypotenuse(a, b) that calculates the length of the hypotenuse of a
right triangle using the Pythagorean theorem: a 2+ b2=c 2
Stage 1: Set up the function structure
Explanation:
We begin by defining the function and verifying that it accepts two parameters. For
now, it simply returns a placeholder value to confirm that the function runs.
Code:
def hypotenuse(a, b):
return 0 # placeholder
Test:
print(hypotenuse(3, 4)) # Expected output: 0 (for test only)
Output: 0
Stage 2: Calculate the squares of a and b
Explanation:
Now we calculate a 2andb 2 and return their sum. This verifies that squaring and
addition work as expected before introducing the square root function.
Code:
def hypotenuse(a, b):
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square_sum = a**2 + b**2
return square_sum
Test:
print(hypotenuse(3, 4)) # Expected output: 25
Output: 25
Stage 3: Take the square root
Explanation:
With the sum correctly calculated, we now apply the square root using Python's math
module.
Code:
import math
def hypotenuse(a, b):
square_sum = a**2 + b**2
result = math.sqrt(square_sum)
return result
Test:
print(hypotenuse(3, 4)) # Expected output: 5.0
Output: 5.0
Stage 4: Final Testing with Multiple Inputs
Now we verify the function with multiple sets of values:
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Python code with output:
Summary
Through incremental development, we gradually built and tested each part of the function,
minimizing error risk and improving code reliability. The function hypotenuse(a, b) now
returns accurate hypotenuse lengths when given valid inputs.
Part 2:
Portfolio Function Using Incremental Development
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Project Title: calculate_discounted_price – A Real-World Discount & Tax Calculator
Objective:
To build a custom Python function that calculates the final price of a product after applying a
discount and adding tax. This function simulates how prices are calculated in real-world
commerce, such as in retail stores or e-commerce systems. The function will take three
inputs:
1. original_price: The base price of the product.
2. discount_percentage: A percentage of discount to apply.
3. tax_percentage: A percentage of tax to add after applying the discount.
The function will be developed using incremental development, a programming technique
where the function is built and tested in small, manageable steps.
Stage 1: Define Function with Parameters
Goal: Define the function with appropriate parameters and verify that it runs.
Explanation:
At this point, the function is just a shell. It accepts the three required parameters but
does not yet perform any calculations. Returning a fixed value ensures the syntax and
function call structure are correct before implementing logic.
Code:
def calculate_discounted_price(original_price, discount_percentage, tax_percentage):
return 0 # Placeholder to test the structure
Test:
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print(calculate_discounted_price(100, 10, 5)) # Expected: 0 (placeholder)
Output: 0
Conclusion: The function runs successfully, and we can proceed to implement the
discount logic.
Stage 2: Apply the Discount
Goal: Calculate and return the discounted price before applying tax.
Explanation:
We apply the discount by subtracting the discount percentage from 100%, then
multiplying the original price by the resulting fraction. For example, a 10% discount
on $100 results in:
100×(1−0.10)=90.0
Code:
def calculate_discounted_price(original_price, discount_percentage, tax_percentage):
discounted_price = original_price * (1 - discount_percentage / 100)
return discounted_price # Just testing discount logic
print(calculate_discounted_price(100, 10, 5)) # Expected: 0 (placeholder)
Test:
print(calculate_discounted_price(100, 10, 5)) # Expected: 90.0
Output: 90
Conclusion: The function now successfully calculates the discounted price. We will
now include the tax logic.
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Stage 3: Add Tax Calculation
Goal: Calculate and return the final price after discount and tax.
Explanation:
After discounting, tax is added by multiplying the discounted price by a factor of (1 +
tax_percentage / 100). The round() function is used to limit the result to two decimal
places for better currency formatting.
Code:
def calculate_discounted_price(original_price, discount_percentage, tax_percentage):
discounted_price = original_price * (1 - discount_percentage / 100)
final_price = discounted_price * (1 + tax_percentage / 100)
return round(final_price, 2) # Round to 2 decimal places for currency format
Final Testing: Function Calls with Explanation
Python
code
with
output:
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Summery:
Using incremental development allowed us to isolate potential issues and test each step of our
logic. This not only made debugging easier but ensured accurate results at every stage. This
method mimics how real-world software is developed in agile teams or solo freelance
projects.
This function is practical for a variety of domains, including:
Online shopping platforms
Point-of-sale systems
Invoice generation tools
Additionally, using built-in functions like round() and percentage-based math showcases
knowledge of core programming concepts such as arithmetic operators, function design, and
modularity.
Word count: 735 words
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References:
Downey, A. (2015). Think Python: How to think like a computer scientist. Needham,
Massachusetts: Green Tree
https://greenteapress.com/thinkpython2/thinkpython2.pdf
Software Foundation. (2023). Built-in Functions – round(). Python 3.11
documentation. https://docs.python.org/3/library/functions.html#round
Python Software Foundation. (2023). math — Mathematical functions. Python 3.11.
https://docs.python.org/3/library/math.html
