Trace the variables: what is the final value? (warm-up): coding worksheet for Grade 8, page 1 preview

Coding worksheet · Coding

Trace the variables: what is the final value? (warm-up) · Grade 8

Read 6 short Python programs about variables, arithmetic order and integer division and work out by hand what each one prints or the final value of a variable. Builds careful code tracing.

Grade 8 · ages 13 to 14
Easy
25 to 35 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 big at the end?
1 a = 19
2 b = 16
3 if a > b:
2 What is printed?
1 left = 2
2 right = 8
3 temp = left
4 left = right
5 right = temp
6 print(left, right)
3 What is total at the end?
1 a = 2
2 b = 5
4 What is printed?
1 sweets = 33
2 each = sweets // 6
4 print(each, spare)
5 What is big at the end?
1 a = 15
2 b = 11
6 What is printed?
1 left = 3
2 right = 7
3 left = right
4 right = left
5 print(left, right)

What your child practices

Your child builds careful code tracing. The skill is “Variables”: use named values such as a score, lives or a timer that a program changes and checks.

Grades and ages: Grade 8, ages 13 to 14
Time: About 25 to 35 minutes
Subject: Coding
Level: Easy for Grade 8
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 Grade 8, 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.