Summary  
This chapter covers how to use Python’s basic arithmetic operators (+, –, *, /, **) and how operator precedence and parentheses control the order in which expressions are evaluated.  

General domain of usage  
Mathematical computations

You'll use arithmetic operators constantly in Python. Consider the most common ones and how **precedence** determines evaluation order.


Watch this video to see how Python evaluates arithmetic expressions, including the effect of operator precedence and parentheses. You'll get step-by-step walkthroughs of common calculation scenarios, and learn how to avoid common mistakes with order of operations.

a = 10
b = 3

print(a + b)  # Addition
print(a - b)  # Subtraction
print(a * b)  # Multiplication
print(a / b)  # Division
print(a ** b)  # Exponentiation

## Operator Precedence

When multiple operators appear, Python evaluates them in this order (highest → lowest among arithmetic):

1. `**`;
2. Unary `+` and `-` (sign);
3. `*`, `/`;
4. `+`, `-`.

Parentheses always win and make intent explicit. Exponentiation `**` is **right-associative**.



print(2 + 3 * 4)     # 14  (multiplication before addition)
print((2 + 3) * 4)   # 20  (parentheses change the order)

# Exponentiation binds tighter than unary minus
print(-3 ** 2)       # -9  (equivalent to -(3 ** 2))
print((-3) ** 2)     # 9

# Right-associative exponentiation
print(2 ** 3 ** 2)   # 512 (2 ** (3 ** 2))

* Prefer parentheses in anything nontrivial, readability > cleverness.
* Remember `/` always yields a float (even if divisible).

Note

A focused, beginner-friendly course on working with numbers in Python. Learn about integers, floats, arithmetic operations, type conversion, and how to avoid common pitfalls when handling numerical data.

Basic Arithmetic and Operator Precedence

Main Operations

Operator Precedence

1. What value will this code output?

2. Which expression evaluates to `64`?