Larger of Two
Programming Basics · Python
TASK
Problem
Given `a` and `b`, print the larger value. If equal, print either one.
EXAMPLE
Example
8 3
8
LIMITS
Constraints
All integer inputs have absolute value at most 10^9; any additional relationships between them are stated directly in the task.
LEARN
Theory for this problem
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`input()` reads data entered by the user. The result of `input()` is initially a string. `split()` separates one input line into individual values using spaces. `map()` applies the specified conversion to each input value. Comparison operators `==`, `!=`, `<`, `>`, `<=`, `>=` compare values and produce `True` or `False`. `if` checks a condition and runs its block when the condition is true. `else` runs when the corresponding `if` condition is false. `print()` displays the program result. Print only what the problem statement requires.
**Connection to this task.** An `if` statement chooses a program branch from a Boolean condition. Comparisons produce `True` or `False`, and `elif` lets you test several mutually exclusive cases in order. The expression `a` shows how this idea is applied to the task data.
For this task, pay special attention to `map(int, input().split())`: it connects the concept above to the concrete computation or program action.
**Focus: “Larger of Two”.** The same basic mechanism is used in a different context here, so understand the operation itself rather than memorizing a finished line of code.
NEED HELP?
Hints
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['Compare `a` and `b`.']
ANSWER
Solution
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a, b = map(int, input().split())
if a >= b:
print(a)
else:
print(b)