Problems using samples

[Mark McEahern]

> 6 if x = y:

This statement assigns (binds) the value of y to the name x.  I assume what
you want to do is test for equality.  If so, you should use the equality
operator, not the assignment operator:

  if x == y:

By the way, if you want to make it easier to help you in the future, please
post an interactive session that demonstrates the error you're experiencing;
i.e.,

  >>> x = 8
  >>> y = 4
  >>> v = x - y
  >>> if x = y:
    File "<string>", line 1
      if x = y:
           ^
  SyntaxError: invalid syntax

This is one of the beauties of Python--you should take advantage of it.

Admittedly, Python's error is cryptic, but the ^ clues you in to the fact
that it has something to do with the equals sign.

// m

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