CODEWITHSUNDEEP
pythonmax
dnfha
dnfha

Reputation: 13

The result of the Python max() function is confusing

When using Python max() function with the "key" argument and passing on this argument a function that calculates modulo of the given integer number I don't get desired results. Here are the code snippet and results for two different lists consist of integer numbers.

def mod_2(x):
    return x % 2

list1 = [1, 2, 3]
list2 = [3, 2, 1]

print(max(list1, key=mod_2))
print(max(list2, key=mod_2))

The results are 1 and 3 respectively. Should not the result of the first print be 3? Or, does the max() function just give the first occurrence of the two same numbers by nature? The results of mod_2 operations for both numbers are the same (since 3 % 2 = 1 % 2). How does max() function decide in such a condition actually?

Upvotes: 0

Views: 144

Answers (2)

saraafr
saraafr

Reputation: 143

When the Max function give two same numbers, it selects the first number

Upvotes: 0

superb rain
superb rain

Reputation: 5520

You ask:

does the max() function just give the first occurrence of the two same numbers by nature?

How is the documentation saying

If multiple items are maximal, the function returns the first one encountered.

unclear?

Upvotes: 0

Related Questions