Python Arithmetic Operators

Satellite · Operators

Python Arithmetic Operators

Arithmetic is the foundation of expression building. Learn how each operator behaves, including floor division and exponent nuances.

Review examplesAvoid pitfalls

Operator overview

Operator	Meaning	Example
+	Addition	total = a + b
-	Subtraction	balance = income - expenses
*	Multiplication	area = width * height
/	True division	3 / 2 == 1.5
//	Floor division	3 // 2 == 1
%	Modulo (remainder)	5 % 2 == 1
**	Exponentiation	2 ** 3 == 8

Examples

hours = total_minutes // 60
minutes = total_minutes % 60

compound_interest = principal * (1 + rate) ** years

Pitfalls

• / always returns float, even when dividing integers.
• % follows the divisor's sign: -5 % 2 == 1.
• Use math.isclose to compare floats due to precision issues.

Next up in your learning path

See operators in context

Combine arithmetic with control flow.

Companion

Practice with exercises

Build a calculator CLI from Week 1.

Project

Move to comparison operators

Use arithmetic results inside conditionals.

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