def minmax(test, *args): res = args[0] for arg in args[1:]: if test(arg, res): res = arg return res def lessthan(x, y): return x < y def grtrthan(x, y): return x > y print minmax(lessthan, 4, 2, 1, 5, 6, 3) print minmax(grtrthan, 4, 2, 1, 5, 6, 3)