Question

For problem set 1c solution, I am wondering why in line 24 and line 25 it states: if balance <= 0 and break respectively. Furthermore, if you add the line print('The balance is: ', balance) before if balance<=0 in line 24, it will print out a lot of things. Shouldnt it only print 12 lines of balance?

Answer 1

I'm assuming this is Python. The syntax of your print statement suggests Python v. 3.xx. I thought that the MIT 6.00 courses were both Python 2.xx.

Anyway, you could also try:

print type( balance )

to find out if balance is a list, tuple or whatever. When you print a variable, it's usually a pretty good idea to:

print "The balance is: ", str( balance )

That will give you a more informative output.

Answer 2

I see, thanks for the tip.

With regards to the if balance<=0, is that statement necessary? I think it runs fine without it. Not sure what that if statement's purpose is for in this case. I attached this file as reference.

Answer 3

This line runs?!: balance += interest - monthly_payment
It seriously needs parenthesis.

Those two lines provide an escape in case the loan and interest are paid off ( balance <= 0 ) before the loop finishes. Set it up with values that will payoff in say 6 months.

Answer 4

Thank you rsmith for taking the time to clarify. I see now!