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Python Python Basics Functions and Looping Create a Function

Posted by Zahkyi Ferguson
Zahkyi Ferguson
504 Points

why am I receiving a Syntax error?

squaring.py 
def square(number):
    original_number = input("Pick a number  ")
    squared_number = original_number * original_number 
return squared_number

2 Answers

Steven Parker
Steven Parker
231,275 Points
Steven Parker
Steven Parker
231,275 Points

The complete challenge message is "Bummer: SyntaxError: 'return' outside function"

By "'return' outside function", it's pointing out that the "return" statement is not indented, which means it is not part of the function — and syntax rules say a "return" is only allowed inside a function.

Also:

  • the instructions don't ask you to "input" anything, so line 2 isn't needed
  • the formula needs to make use of the parameter
Zahkyi Ferguson
Zahkyi Ferguson
504 Points
Zahkyi Ferguson
Zahkyi Ferguson
504 Points

Thank you! I was overthinking it.