Arithmetic Operators in Python | Explained with Examples

Arithmetic Operators in Python | Explained with Examples

 Arithmetic Operators in Python

Python provides a wide range of operators to perform arithmetic operations. From basic calculations like addition and subtraction to more advanced operations like exponentiation and floor division, arithmetic operators in Python make computations easy and efficient.In this guide, we’ll break down all arithmetic operators in Python, their precedence, and practical examples to help you master them.

What Are Arithmetic Operators in Python?

Arithmetic operators in Python are symbols or keywords used to perform mathematical operations on variables or values. These operators work primarily with numbers but can also be applied to certain data types like strings, tuples, and lists.

List of Python Arithmetic Operators

Here’s a complete list of arithmetic operators available in Python:
OperatorDescriptionExample
+Addition9 + 2 = 11
-Subtraction9 - 2 = 7
*Multiplication9 * 2 = 18
/Division9 / 2 = 4.5
//Floor Division (Integer Div)9 // 2 = 4
%Modulo (Remainder)9 % 2 = 1
**Exponent (Power)9 ** 2 = 81
 

Performing Basic Calculations with Python Arithmetic Operators

Python’s arithmetic operators can handle various numerical data types such as integers, floats, and complex numbers. Let’s explore some basic operations:

Example Program

python
# Basic arithmetic operations a = 9 b = 2# Addition print(a + b) # Output: 11# Subtraction print(a – b) # Output: 7# Multiplication print(a * b) # Output: 18# Division print(a / b) # Output: 4.5# Floor Division print(a // b) # Output: 4# Modulo print(a % b) # Output: 1# Exponentiation print(a ** b) # Output: 81

Precedence and Associativity of Arithmetic Operators in Python

When expressions involve multiple arithmetic operators, the precedence and associativity rules determine the order of execution.

Precedence of Arithmetic Operators

Here’s the precedence of Python’s arithmetic operators in descending order:
OperatorDescription
**Exponentiation
*, /, //, %Multiplication, Division, Floor Division, Modulo
+, -Addition, Subtraction

Associativity of Arithmetic Operators

If two operators have the same precedence, Python evaluates them based on their associativity:
  • Left to Right: Most arithmetic operators.
  • Right to Left: Only exponentiation (**).

Example: Complex Expression Evaluation

Let’s compute an expression step by step using operator precedence.
python
a = 9 b = 2 c = a + b - a * b / a print(c) # Output: 9
Step-by-Step Evaluation:
  1. a * b is evaluated first: 9 * 2 = 18
  2. 18 / a is evaluated next: 18 / 9 = 2
  3. a + b is evaluated: 9 + 2 = 11
  4. Finally, 11 - 2 = 9
 

Arithmetic Operators and Strings in Python

Python supports addition (+) and multiplication (*) operators for strings, enabling string concatenation and repetition.

Example: Using Arithmetic Operators with Strings

python
# String concatenation str1 = "Hello" str2 = "World" print(str1 + " " + str2) # Output: Hello World# String repetition print(str1 * 3) # Output: HelloHelloHello
Important Note: Other arithmetic operators, such as - or /, cannot be applied to strings.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. What are arithmetic operators in Python?

Arithmetic operators perform basic mathematical operations like addition, subtraction, multiplication, and division.

2. How many arithmetic operators are available in Python?

Python has 7 arithmetic operators: addition (+), subtraction (-), multiplication (*), division (/), floor division (//), modulo (%), and exponentiation (**).

3. Which arithmetic operator has the highest precedence?

The exponentiation operator (**) has the highest precedence among arithmetic operators.

4. Can arithmetic operators be used with non-numerical data types?

Yes, the + and * operators can be used with strings, tuples, and lists for concatenation and repetition.

Conclusion

Understanding arithmetic operators in Python is essential for performing calculations and writing efficient code. From basic operations to complex expressions, these operators are the foundation of many programming tasks. Make sure to practice and experiment with these operators to solidify your understanding.  Click here to know more our program!