Programs

Division Operators in Python

The division operation is an arithmetic process in which we attempt to determine how much we must split the dividend into equal portions for each divisor to get an equal sum.

Generally, an expression’s data type is determined by the types of its arguments. Most operators follow this rule, so when two numbers are added, the outcome should also be an integer. This doesn’t work out well in the case of division, though, because there are two separate expectations. Sometimes we want the result of the division to be a rounded-down integer, while other times, we want it to produce an exact floating-point value.

To begin with, there are majorly two division operators types in Python. 

  • /: The number specified on its left is divided by the number specified on its right. This, in turn, reverts a floating point value. 
  • //: The number specified on its left is divided by the number specified on its right. The final answer is rounded down and a whole number is returned as an output.

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For example, 

5/2 = 2.5 

5//2 = 2 

The integer division operator is to be used in order to divide 

The integer division operator ( // ) to be used to divide two numbers and round their quotient down to the nearest integer. 

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Additionally, the division between two numbers in Python simply returns the quotient. For example, dividing 5 by 2 returns 2.5 

The integer division operator (//) can be used to divide two numbers and then their quotient can be rounded to the nearest integer. 

Quotient = 5 // 2 

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The real floor division operator is “//”. This actually returns the floor value for both integers as well as for the floating point arguments. 

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Floor division is also implemented in all the numeric types of Python and will also have the syntax of: 

A // b == floor(a/b) 

The type of the result will actually be the typical type into which a and b are forced former to the operation. To be more specific, if a and b have the same data type, a//b will be of the same type as well. However, in case there are inputs of different types, they are firstly coerced into a typical type using the similar rules that are used for all other operators in arithmetics. To be more specific, if both a and b are ints or longs, the consequence has the same data type as well as value as for standard division on these types (this also includes the case of input types that are mixed; long//int and int//long will both return a long type). 

When it comes to floating point inputs, the result is a float type. For instance: 3.5//2.0 == 1.0 

In addition, when it comes to complex numbers, // raises an exception, considering that floor90 of a complex number is actually not allowed. Also, when it comes to user-defined classes as well as types of extension, all semantics are quite up to the execution of the type or class.

Float Division In Python 

Even if the operands of the float division operator are not float variables themselves, the return value is always of the type float. Python float division code is shown below:

a, b = 7, 3

result = a/b

print(result)

Output:

2.3333333333

Integer Division In Python 

If the operands are both integers, the return value for the integer division operator is also an integer. On the other hand, if any of the operands is a float, it returns a float value. Python integer division code is shown below:

a, b = 7, 3

result = a//b

print(result)

Output:

2

Advantages Of Division Operator in Python

  • The division operator in Python provides a simple method for performing division operations. Instead of writing a long phrase with multiple arithmetic operations, division can be performed in a single line of code using the division operator.
  • The division operator in Python can control the correctness of calculations by utilizing alternate rounding strategies. You can calculate a decimal quotient using floating-point division or a truncated quotient using integer division.
  • The division operator in Python creates effective procedures for numerical computations like matrix multiplication and linear algebra. You can also minimize the number of arithmetic operations required in these concepts and, ultimately, speed up the code by using the division operator.
  • The division operator in Python is a basic operation in engineering, mathematics and other popular fields. By dividing one number by another number, it allows you to perform calculations and scale results. For instance, averaging a group of values.

If you’d want to dive deeper into working with Python, especially for data science, upGrad brings you the Executive PGP in Data Science. This program is designed for mid-level IT professionals, software engineers looking to explore Data Science, non-tech analysts, early career professionals, etc. Our structured curriculum and extensive support ensure our students reach their full potential without difficulties. 

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