Python 3.4: How do I assign variables to operators?

Question

I'm trying to create a quick program that'll do synthetic division for polynomials to the 4th degree, but when I try and execute my code, it'll tell me R*A: Can't assign to operator. I assume that means it can't do the operation of multiplication, but why? I have limited experience in programming, just one year in Java CompSci

print("This program assumes that the polynomial is to the 4th degree")
A = input('Input the first coefficient: ')
B = input('Input the second coefficient: ')
C = input('Input the third coefficient: ')
D = input('Input the fourth coefficient: ')
E = input('Input constant: ')
R = input('Input the divisor: ')
temp = 0

R*A = temp
#B + temp = temp
#R * temp = temp
#C + temp = temp
#R * temp = temp
#D + temp = temp
#R * temp = temp
#E + temp = temp

if temp == 0:
    print("It works!")
else:
        print("dang")

input('This is a shitty workaround for pause')

Instead of trying to assign to the multiplication, assign to `temp` instead. `temp = R * A`. In other words, it sounds as if you have the order of your syntax mixed up. — Martijn Pieters, Oct 12 '14 at 01:25

score 1 · Accepted Answer · answered Oct 12 '14 at 01:28

1

I assume you're not trying to re-assign an operator but just doing multiplication.

In python, like many other languages including Java, assignment is done like this:

temp = R*A

answered Oct 12 '14 at 01:28

qwr

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@OberstRyan Python 3 does not automatically change types. Use `int(input(...))` to convert to an integer. – qwr Oct 12 '14 at 02:18

Johnathan Kennedy · Answer 2 · 2014-10-12T02:20:38.410

0

Temp = R * A

Your inputs will be str. You need to tell python it will be an int. int (input("...."))

edited Oct 12 '14 at 02:20

answered Oct 12 '14 at 02:14

Johnathan Kennedy

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Python 3.4: How do I assign variables to operators?

2 Answers2