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# Example 1: Positional arguments
def subtract(a, b):
    return a - b

print("10 - 3 =", subtract(10, 3))

# Separator line
print('=' * 40)

# Example 2: Keyword arguments
def print_full_name(first, last):
    print("Full name:", first, last)

print_full_name(last="Parker", first="Peter")

# Separator line
print('=' * 40)

# Example 3: Default values
def welcome(user="Guest"):
    print("Welcome,", user)

welcome()
welcome("Maya")

# Function Arguments and Return Values

Functions often need inputs to work with. These inputs are called *arguments*. You can also make functions **return values**, which you can reuse elsewhere.

Let’s break this down step by step.

 

## 1. Positional Arguments

These are the most common. You pass values in the **order** the function expects them.

```python
def multiply(x, y):
 print("Product:", x * y)

multiply(2, 4)
```

*Explanation:*

* `x` gets `2`, `y` gets `4`
* The result printed is `Product: 8`

 

## 2. Return Values

Instead of just printing, functions can send a value back using `return`.

```python
def multiply(x, y):
 return x * y

result = multiply(2, 4)
print("Result:", result)
```

*Explanation:*

* The function calculates the product and **returns** it.
* We store the result in a variable and print it later.

 

## 3. Keyword Arguments

You can also pass values by **name**, which is more flexible.

```python
def introduce(name, age):
 print(name, "is", age, "years old.")

introduce(age=12, name="Liam")
```

*Explanation:*

* You don’t have to follow order if you use names.
* This improves clarity and avoids mistakes.

 

## 4. Default Values

Set a default value in the function definition to make arguments optional.

```python
def greet(name="friend"):
 print("Hello,", name)

greet()
greet("Sophie")
```

*Explanation:*

* The first call uses the default ("friend").
* The second call overrides it with "Sophie"

 

## Summary

| Concept | Description |
| -------------------- | ------------------------------------------ |
| Positional arguments | Passed in order; e.g., `func(2, 3)` |
| Keyword arguments | Passed by name; e.g., `func(x=2, y=3)` |
| Default arguments | Optional values in the function definition |
| `return` | Sends a value back to the caller |

 

## What’s Next?

In the next lesson, we’ll explore **variable scope** and see what happens when functions are defined inside other functions.

Positional arguments require the values to be passed in the specific order defined by the function. This ensures that each argument receives the correct value during function execution, which is crucial for accurate results.

Concept	Description
Positional arguments	Passed in order; e.g., `func(2, 3)`
Keyword arguments	Passed by name; e.g., `func(x=2, y=3)`
Default arguments	Optional values in the function definition
`return`	Sends a value back to the caller

Function Arguments and Return Values

1. Positional Arguments

2. Return Values

3. Keyword Arguments

4. Default Values

Summary

What’s Next?

Understanding Function Arguments