Trace the functions: what is returned?: coding worksheet for Grades 10–12, page 1 preview

Coding worksheet · Computers & Digital Literacy

Trace the functions: what is returned? · Grades 10–12

Read 6 short Python programs about functions with parameters and return values and work out by hand what each one prints or the final value of a variable. Builds careful code tracing.

Grades 10–12 · ages 15 to 18
Easy
30 to 40 minutes
1 page
Free

The answer key is a separate page for grown-ups. Sign in to download it.

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The programs to trace

Directions: Trace each program line by line without a computer. Keep a note of every variable as it changes, then write exactly what the program prints or the final value.

1 What is printed?
1 def frame(word, edge):
2 return edge + word + edge
3 print(len(frame("pencil", "**")))
2 What is printed?
1 def grow(x):
3 print(grow(4))
3 What is printed?
1 def area(w, h):
2 return w * h
3 print(area(6, 5) + area(4, 5))
4 What is printed? Write each line.
1 def check(n):
2 if n % 3 == 0:
3 return "fits"
4 return "left over"
5 print(check(8))
6 print(check(6))
5 What is printed?
1 def triple(n):
2 return n * 3
3 total = 0
4 for i in range(1, 3):
5 total += triple(i)
6 print(total)
6 What is printed?
1 def f(x):
2 return x * 3
3 def g(x):
4 return x - 1
5 print(f(g(7)))

What your child practices

Your child builds careful code tracing. The skill is “Functions”: name a group of steps once and reuse it wherever it is needed.

Grades and ages: Grades 10–12, ages 15 to 18
Time: About 30 to 40 minutes
Subject: Computers & Digital Literacy
Level: Easy for Grades 10–12
Answer key: Yes, for grown-ups who sign in
Printing: 1 page, US Letter or A4, low-ink option
Updated: October 15, 2026

How to use it

Work through the first program together, one line or arrow at a time. Then let your child work through the rest, showing their thinking on the page. It is one of the easier sheets for Grades 10–12, good as a warm-up or a first look at the skill.

An answer key comes with it as a separate page that grown-ups download after signing in.

Tip for grown-ups: Have your child write each variable's value beside its line as they trace.

Done on paper? A grown-up can record it on the child's page in PlayOwl; downloading alone doesn't count as finished.