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Using Variables in Calculations

Variables become really powerful when you use them in math expressions. Instead of writing raw numbers, you can write formulas using variable names:

width = 8
height = 5
area = width * height
print(area)   # → 40

Let's trace through what Python does:

1. ◆Creates

   width

   and sets it to

   8

2. ◆Creates

   height

   and sets it to

   5

3. ◆Calculates

   width * height

   →

   8 * 5

   →

   40

4. ◆Stores the result

   40

   in a new variable called

   area

5. ◆Prints

   area

   → displays

   40

Why Use Variables Instead of Numbers?

You could just write

print(8 * 5)

• ◆Readable —

  area = width * height

  is clearer than

  40

• ◆Reusable — change

  width

  once and everything updates
• ◆Meaningful — the names explain what the numbers represent

💡

💡 Math operators in Python:

+

(add),

-

(subtract),

*

(multiply),

/

(divide). You'll learn more in the Math lesson!