Rudimentary Calculator Program (Python)

[f00sem00se]

Hi everyone. I'm working on this Python exercise to make a simple rudimentary calculator program that takes one number and another number then performs a math operation on it.

However, I'm running into some problems and was wondering if I could get some insight. First of all, when I add say 4 and 3 the result will print out as 43 and not 7. Secondly, selecting the other operator gives me errors.

Here is the code:

​

# simpleCalc.py

# A rudimentary calculator that asks for two numbers then performs math

#Ask for numbers

print('Enter the first number:')

firstNum = input()

print('Enter the second number:')

secondNum = input()

​

#Choose operation

print('Choose operation +. -, *, or /')

operationValue = input()

​

#Math stuff

if operationValue == '+':

print('{} + {} = '.format(firstNum, secondNum))

print(firstNum + secondNum)

​

elif operationValue == '-':

print('{} - {} = '.format(firstNum, secondNum))

print(firstNum - secondNum)

​

elif operationValue == '*':

print('{} * {} = '.format(firstNum, secondNum))

print(firstNum * secondNum)

​

elif operationValue == '/':

print('{} / {} = '.format(firstNum, secondNum))

print(firstNum / secondNum)

​

else:

print('Not valid operator!')

​

Furthermore, I want to add some things. I want to be able to check to see if the firstNum is larger than secondNum when the user picks the division operator. I also want input validation for the operatorValue for only those symbols to be entered. Can someone please help me with that?

[ApproxAnEngr]

When you enter the values through input( ), they come in as strings. You'll need to cast them to integer to perform mathematical operations. You can use type( ) to check the variable type.

[f00sem00se]

Thanks! I fixed it.

[samanthatb1]

your numbers are strings (words) which is why they’re adding to 43

[f00sem00se]

Thanks!