Arithmetic Operators in Python

1. What are Arithmetic Operators?

• Arithmetic operators are symbols used to perform mathematical calculations in Python.
• Python can work like a calculator using arithmetic operators.
• We use these operators when working with:
  • Numbers
  • Scores
  • Prices
  • Calculations
  • Games
  • Real-life programs

Arithmetic operators help Python add, subtract, multiply, divide, and perform other math operations.

2. Addition Operator (+)

• The addition operator is used to add two numbers.
• Symbol used: +

Example:

print(5 + 3)

Output: 8

Using variables:

a = 10
b = 5
print(a + b)

Output: 15

• Addition is commonly used to:
  • Add scores
  • Add prices
  • Increase values

3. Subtraction Operator (-)

• The subtraction operator is used to subtract one number from another.
• Symbol used: -

Example:

print(10 - 4)

Output: 6

Using variables:

x = 20
y = 7
print(x - y)

Output: 13

• Subtraction is useful when:
  • Reducing values
  • Checking remaining amount
  • Losing points in a game

4. Multiplication Operator (*)

• The multiplication operator is used to multiply numbers.
• Symbol used: * (asterisk)

Example:

print(4 * 5)

Output: 20

Using real-life example:

price = 3
quantity = 4
print(price * quantity)

Output: 12

• Multiplication is used for:
  • Total cost
  • Repeated values
  • Calculating area

5. Division Operator (/)

• The division operator divides one number by another.
• Symbol used: /

Example:

print(10 / 2)

Output: 5.0

Important Note:

• Even if both numbers are integers, Python gives the result as a float.

Example:

print(7 / 2)

Output: 3.5

• Division is used for:
  • Splitting values
  • Finding averages
  • Sharing equally

6. Floor Division Operator (//)

• Floor division divides numbers and removes the decimal part.
• Symbol used: //

Example:

print(10 // 3)

Output: 3

Explanation: 10 ÷ 3 = 3.33. Floor division removes .33 and keeps only 3.

• Floor division is useful when:
  • Counting full groups
  • Ignoring decimal values

7. Modulus Operator (%)

• The modulus operator gives the remainder after division.
• Symbol used: %

Example:

print(10 % 3)

Output: 1

Explanation: 10 ÷ 3 → remainder is 1

Common uses of modulus:

• Checking even or odd numbers
• Checking leftovers
• Game logic

Example:

print(8 % 2)

Output: 0 (This means 8 is even)

8. Exponent Operator (**)

• The exponent operator is used for power calculations.
• Symbol used: **

Example:

print(2 ** 3)

Output: 8

Explanation: 2 × 2 × 2 = 8

More examples:

print(5 ** 2)  # Square
print(3 ** 3)  # Cube

• Used for:
  • Squares
  • Cubes
  • Mathematical formulas

9. Using Arithmetic Operators with Variables

• Arithmetic operators work very well with variables.

Example:

a = 10
b = 5
print(a + b)
print(a - b)
print(a * b)
print(a / b)

Python calculates values stored inside variables.

10. Summary of What Students Learned

• What arithmetic operators are
• Addition (+)
• Subtraction (-)
• Multiplication (*)
• Division (/)
• Floor division (//)
• Modulus (%)
• Exponent (**)
• Using operators with numbers and variables

Arithmetic operators are very important and are used in almost every Python program.

11. Task for Students

Create a simple calculator program that:

• Takes two numbers from the user
• Performs:
  • Addition
  • Subtraction
  • Multiplication
  • Division
• Prints all results

Optional Challenge:

• Check if a number is even or odd using %