This programming language misconception is related to the meaning of Python's = operator.

Incorrect and Correct Conception

Convince Yourself

You see that the value of a in the second printout is 2.0. Thus the a = v / 2 assigned the result of evaluating v / 2 to a; it did not assign the expression v / 2 to a.

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If you would like to learn more about this misconception, including its possible origins, symptoms students who hold this misconception might exhibit, the related programming language concepts, links to the corresponding parts of the Python language specification, and related misconceptions, check out VariablesHoldExpressions in the progmiscon.org misconception inventory.