python - Variable not changing after assigning another value to its dependent variable

Question

Entering the following code into Python 3.5 shell gives me an answer I didn't expect, very basic I know but would somebody help me with an explanation please.

>>> x = 5
>>> y = 2
>>> a = x*y
>>> x,y,a
(5, 2, 10)

>>> x = 3
>>> x,y,a
(3, 2, 10)

These were all on separate lines each preceded by >>>

I expected 6, but the "new" x has not been used.

Answer 1

The 'a' variable will only be updated if you update it deliberately. In order to update 'a' after you have changed 'x', you will need to execute the line a = x*y again.

If you copy and paste your code into here http://www.pythontutor.com/visualize.html#mode=edit it will give you a good visualization of what is going on!