Arithmetic Operators in Python Programming

What is Arithmetic Operators

Arithmetic Operators in Python are used to performing arithmetic or mathematical operations on operands.

Video Explanation

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There are 7 types of arithmetic operators:

• + Addition
• - Subtraction
• * Multiplication
• / Division
• % Modulus
• ** Exponentiation
• // Floor Division

Addition Operator +

The Addition Operator + is used for adding the value of two or more variables.

x=5
y=2
z = x + y;    # value of z = 5 + 2 result z=7

In the example above, the value of x and y is first added and then stored in z. So the result of z is 7.

Subtraction Operator -

The Subtraction Operator - is used for subtracting the value of two or more variables.

x=5
y=2
z = x - y;    # value of z = 5 - 2 result z=3

In the example above, the value of y is subtracted from x and the final result is stored in z. So the result of z is 3.

Multiplication Operator *

The Multiplication Operator * is used for multiplying the value of two or more variables.

x=5
y=2
z = x * y;    # value of z = 5 * 2 result z=10

In the example above, the value of x and y is first multiplied and then stored in z. So the result of z is 10.

Division Operator /

The Division Operator / is used for dividing the value of two or more variables and the quotient is returned as the result of the division. Let's see the example for more understanding.

x=5
y=2
z = x / y;    # value of z = 5 / 2 result z=2.5 which is a quotient

In the example above, the value of x and y is first divided and then stored the quotient in z. So the result of z is 2.5.

Modulus Operator %

The Modulus Operator % is used for dividing the value of two or more variables and the remainder is returned as the result of the division.

x=5
y=2
z = x % y;    # value of z = 5 % 2 result z=1 which is a remainder

In the example above, the value of x and y is first divided and then stored the remainder in z. So the result of z is 1.

Exponentiation Operator **

The Exponentiation Operator ** is used to multiply a number till a certain number of times. In mathematics it is written as xⁿ where x is the base number and n is the power, So x will be multiplied n times.

x=5
y=2
z=x**y      # value of z = 5 * 5 result z=25

In the example above, the value of x is multiplied two times (value of y) and then stored in z. So the result of z is 25.

Floor Division Operator //

The Floor Division Operator // is used to round off the result of the division down to the nearest whole number. In other words, the decimal portion is removed from the result after division.

x=27
y=4
z=x//y      # value of z becomes 6

In the example above, the value of x and y is first divided and then the decimal portion is removed from the quotient and after that the value is stored in z. So the result of z is 6.