Python Coding Challenge - Question with Answer (ID 300726)

 

Explanation:

🔍 Line-by-Line Explanation

Line 1

print(5---3)

At first glance, it looks like Python is trying to subtract three times.

Many people think this is a syntax error, but it is completely valid Python.

Step 1: Understand the Operators

Python reads this expression as:

5 - - -3

There are three minus (-) operators.

First - → Subtraction operator

Second - → Unary minus (negation)

Third - → Another unary minus

Step 2: Evaluate from Right to Left

Start with the last number:

-3

Apply the second unary minus:

-(-3)

This becomes

3

Now the expression becomes

5 - 3

Step 3: Perform the Subtraction

5 - 3

Result:

2

Wait... that's not the answer!

Step 4: Python's Actual Parsing

Python actually groups it like this:

5 - -(-3)

Let's evaluate:

-3

↓

-(-3)

↓

3

↓

5 - (-3)

↓

5 + 3

↓

8

🧠 Final Evaluation

print(5---3)

↓

print(5 - -(-3))

↓

print(5 - (-3))

↓

print(5 + 3)

↓

8

📌 Output

8

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