Python works with two main number types:

• Integers (int) — whole numbers like 5, -12, or 0;
• Floats (float) — numbers with decimals like 3.14 or -2.5.

Python determines the type based on how the number is written.

Arithmetic Operations in Python

Python includes all standard math operations with clear syntax:

Addition

+ adds values. Mixing int and float produces a float.

Subtraction

- subtracts the right-hand value from the left. Works with positives and negatives.

Multiplication

* multiplies values. If a float is involved, the result is a float.

Division

/ divides and always returns a float, even if the result is whole (e.g., 8 / 2).

Floor Division

// divides and rounds down toward negative infinity. Result type depends on operands.

Modulo

% gives the remainder of a division. Works with positive, negative, and floats.

Exponentiation

** raises a number to a power. Also works with fractional exponents for roots.

Operator precedence (PEMDAS)

Python follows standard rules to decide which operation comes first:

1. Parentheses;
2. Exponentiation;
3. Multiplication / Division / Floor Division / Modulo;
4. Addition / Subtraction.

Integers vs floats in operations

When performing arithmetic:

• Division always returns a float;
• Mixing int and float promotes the result to float;
• Use // to get a rounded-down integer result.

Summary

• Python includes support for int and float types;
• Arithmetic operators: +, -, *, /, //, %, **;
• / returns floats, // gives floor-divided integers;
• Operator precedence follows PEMDAS.

Try It Yourself

1. Write an expression that uses +, -, *, /, and parentheses;
2. Predict the result before running it;
3. Run it in Python and compare with your prediction.