COSC 145: Python Fundamentals and Applied Logic

Vocabulary flashcards covering core Python functions, comparison operators, conversion formulas, and logic rules from COSC 145 quizzes and midterm materials.

sorted()

A built-in Python function that returns a new, sorted copy of an iterable (such as a list or string) without altering the original data structure.

["abracadabra"] vs. "abracadabra"

$["abracadabra"]$ is a Python list containing a single string element of length $1$, whereas $"abracadabra"$ is a string literal containing a sequence of $11$ characters.

min()

A built-in Python function that evaluates an iterable or multiple arguments and returns the element with the lowest value.

sum()

A built-in Python function that takes an iterable of numeric values and returns their total sum as a single number.

Floor Division (//)

An arithmetic operator that divides two numbers and rounds the result down to the nearest integer, discarding any fractional remainder.

Centimeter to Inch Conversion Factor

The exact metric-to-imperial conversion ratio stating that $1\,\text{inch} = 2.54\,\text{centimeters}$, meaning centimeters divided by $2.54$ yields inches.

Double Equals Sign (==)

The comparison operator in Python used to evaluate whether two expressions or values are equal, distinct from the single equals sign ($=$, which performs assignment).

Colon (:) in Python Control Flow

A mandatory syntactic character required at the end of header statements such as if, elif, else, for, and while to introduce an indented block of code.

Method

A specialized function that belongs to and is called on a specific object or class using dot notation (e.g., s.title()).

Function

A reusable, standalone block of code that is invoked by its identifier directly and passed arguments to perform a task (e.g., sorted(), min()).

Body Mass Index (BMI) Formula

A metric calculation defined as weight in kilograms divided by height in meters squared: $\text{BMI} = \frac{\text{weight}}{\text{height}^2}$.

BMI Optimum Range

A Body Mass Index value between $18.5$ and $24.9$ inclusive; values below $18.5$ are classified as underweight, and values above $24.9$ are classified as overweight.

Shortbread Recipe Base Ratio

An ingredient ratio specifying $2.5$ cups of flour, $1$ cup of butter, and $0.5$ cup of sugar per batch of $12$ cookies.

Fahrenheit to Celsius Conversion Formula

The temperature conversion relationship defined as $^\circ\text{C} = \frac{^\circ\text{F} - 32}{9/5}$.

Office Comfort Range

An acceptable temperature range defined as between $18^\circ\text{C}$ and $23^\circ\text{C}$; below $18^\circ\text{C}$ is classified as "Too cold" and above $23^\circ\text{C}$ is classified as "Too hot".

Demographic Percentage Formula

The proportion of a specific subgroup relative to the total workforce, calculated as $\text{percentage} = \frac{\text{subgroup\_count}}{\text{total}} \times 100.0$.

Divisibility Test

A conditional test using the modulo operator to determine whether an integer divides evenly with zero remainder (e.g., n % 5 == 0 for divisibility by $5$).