title: Need help fixing/refining a while loop sum calculator in python
body: <p>Keep in mind that I am still very new to python coding as I am only just into chapter 5 of my python coding class.  Keeping that in mind, I am attempting to create a sum calculator using a "while loop" to continue until the user enters a negative number instead of a positive number. </p>
  
  <p>In case I am not entirely clear in my description of my question I will post the exact homework problem here: </p>
  
  <p>Chapter 5, page 200, #8
  Sum of Numbers</p>
  
  <p>Write a program with a while loop that asks the user to enter a series of positive numbers. The user should enter a negative number to signal the end of the series. After all the positive numbers have been entered, the program should display their sum.</p>
  
  <p>Now for the code that I have written so far:</p>
  
  <pre><code>def main():
      number = float(input('Please enter in a positive number: '))
      while number &gt; 0:
          positiveNumber()
      while number &lt; 0:
          calculateTotal()
          printTotal()
  
  def positiveNumber():
      number = float(input('If you are finished please enter a negative number.' + \ 'Otherwise, enter another positive number: '))
      while number &gt; 0:
          positiveNumber()
      while number &lt; 0:
          calculateTotal()
          printTotal()
  
  def calculateTotal():
      total = 0 + number
  
  def printTotal():
      print('The sum of your numbers is: ', total)
  
  main()
  </code></pre>
  
  <ul>
  <li>In line 11, I have the "+ \" sign there because I wanted to make an enter space there in order to have a cleaner looking text, but that does not seem to work.</li>
  </ul>
  
  <p>I apologize if this question seems "nooby" but I need help making a cleaner/working sum calculator.  I would greatly appreciate it if someone can take a look at this code and hopefully help me improve it. Thank you!</p>
  
  <p>Final Edit:</p>
  
  <p>Thank you all for the informative answers! I learned alot (for a "newbie" =]). I used Talon876's answer for my calculator. Thanks again everyone!</p>