Operators —
Make Python Do Something

Operators let Python calculate, compare values, and combine simple logical ideas. Learn how a few symbols can change what a program does.

01 Learn02 Try03 Predict

01 Learn

Operators tell Python what to do with values.

You can use operators to calculate with numbers, compare values, and combine true/false results. Parentheses can make a longer expression easier to read.

x = 10
y = 3

print(x + y)   # 13
print(x - y)   # 7
print(x * y)   # 30
print(x / y)   # 3.333...
print(x // y)  # 3
print(x % y)   # 1

+, -, and * calculate as you expect. / returns a float. // is floor division, and % gives the remainder after division.

10 // 3 # 3

For these positive numbers, floor division gives 3. It is not simply removing decimals in every situation: // follows floor division rules, which matter for negative values too.

↳

Assignment is not comparison: = assigns a value to a variable. == asks whether two values are equal and produces True or False.

Compare values

age = 18

print(age == 18)  # True
print(age != 20)  # True
print(age > 20)   # False
print(age >= 18)  # True
print(age < 21)   # True
print(age <= 18)  # True

Comparison operators such as ==, !=, >, <, >=, and <= always produce True or False.

Combine true/false values

age = 20
has_ticket = True

print(age >= 18 and has_ticket)  # True
print(age < 18 or has_ticket)    # True
print(not has_ticket)            # False

and needs both conditions to be true. or needs at least one. not reverses a true/false value. You will use these ideas in Conditions later.

02 Try

Python Playground

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Change the values of x and y. Try to predict the results before running the code.

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03 Predict

What will this program print?

Think about the remainder left after dividing eight by three.

x = 8
y = 3

print(x % y)

Your learning mentor

Ask Sloby about operators

Describe what feels unclear. Sloby can help with calculations, comparisons, and logical expressions.

Hi! I'm Sloby. Let's explore how Python operators work. Ask me about calculations, comparisons, or logical expressions!

04 Understanding Check

What will this program print, and why? Explain each result.

x = 10
y = 3

print(x // y)
print(x % y)
print(x > y and y == 3)