Arithmetic Operators

Arithmetic operators are used to perform basic math calculations in Python, just like on a calculator!

Instead of using raw numbers directly, programmers store numbers in variables first and then perform math on them.

Here is each arithmetic operator explained with a simple example:

---

The Basic Four Math Operators

1. Addition (+)

Adds two numbers.

num1 = 10
num2 = 5
result = num1 + num2

print(result)  # Output: 15

2. Subtraction (-)

Subtracts one number from another.

num1 = 10
num2 = 3
result = num1 - num2

print(result)  # Output: 7

3. Multiplication (*)

Multiplies two numbers.

num1 = 6
num2 = 4
result = num1 * num2

print(result)  # Output: 24

4. Division (/)

Divides the first number by the second.

Golden Rule: In Python, division always returns a decimal number (a Float), even if it divides perfectly.

num1 = 10
num2 = 2
result = num1 / num2

print(result)  # Output: 5.0

---

The Special Three Math Operators

5. Floor Division (//)

Divides two numbers and rounds the result down to the nearest whole number, throwing away any decimals.

num1 = 10
num2 = 3
result = num1 // num2

print(result)  # Output: 3

Think of sharing 10 chocolates among 3 friends. Each friend gets 3 whole chocolates.

6. Modulus (%)

Divides two numbers and returns only the leftover remainder.

num1 = 10
num2 = 3
result = num1 % num2

print(result)  # Output: 1

Using the same chocolate example: sharing 10 chocolates among 3 friends leaves 1 chocolate left over.

Useful Trick: Checking Even or Odd Numbers If you divide a number by 2 and the remainder (%) is 0, it is an Even number. If the remainder is 1, it is an Odd number.

number = 15
remainder = number % 2

print(remainder)  # Output: 1 (15 is Odd!)

7. Exponentiation (Power) (**)

Calculates powers (raises the first number to the power of the second).

base = 2
power = 3
result = base ** power

print(result)  # Output: 8  (Which is 2 * 2 * 2)