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Which of the following is not true about a function in Python? (A) It can store and work on more than one line of code. (B) A function can be used outside of the parent program. (C) It can be used to perform complex functions which include multiple conditions. (D) It can return more than one value at a time.

User Arne Mertz
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2 Answers

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Final answer:

The statement 'A function can be used outside of the parent program' is not unequivocally correct, as it requires the context of modules and the import mechanism in Python. Functions can indeed store and operate on multiple lines of code, handle complex operations with conditions, and return multiple values.

Step-by-step explanation:

The question pertains to functions in Python and their characteristics. Let's review each statement one by one:

  • (A) A function can store and work on more than one line of code, which allows for organizing complex logic into manageable sections.
  • (B) While it is common to use functions within the same program, saying a function can be used outside of the parent program without clarification can be misleading. Functions can be imported and used in other programs if they are properly packaged and imported as modules, but a function cannot independently execute outside of a Python environment.
  • (C) Functions indeed can be used to perform complex functions, including those that handle multiple conditions, to simplify code and enhance readability.
  • (D) In Python, a function can return more than one value at a time, typically using a tuple to return multiple items.

The statement that is not unequivocally true, without additional context, is (B): A function can be used outside of the parent program. A more accurate statement would be that a function from one Python program can be made available to another by using modules and the import mechanism.

User Fivepointseven
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5 votes

Final answer:

Option B is not true about Python functions, as they cannot be used outside of Python itself, but are confined to their specific scope within the program or project. Functions, however, can store multiple lines of code, perform complex operations with multiple conditions, and return multiple values in a tuple or list.

Step-by-step explanation:

When discussing functions in Python, option B stating that "A function can be used outside of the parent program" is not true. Functions in Python are defined within a specific scope, and while the functions can often be imported and reused across different modules within the same project or program, they cannot operate 'outside' of Python itself. Most functions are encapsulated within the Python file or module they are defined in. However, Python functions are versatile and capable of:

Storing and working on more than one line of code, which allows for complex logic and processing within the function body.

Performing complex operations, including those involving multiple conditions, loops, or other control structures.

Returning more than one value at a time, typically by returning a tuple, list, or another collection of values.

User Curtis Rutland
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