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Python arithmetic: //, % and **: Class 11 practice

In Python, / always gives a float, // is floor division (rounds down, even for negatives), % gives the remainder with the sign of the divisor, and ** is power (evaluated right to left). Read the method, follow the three worked examples, then try the six questions.

What you should know first

  • Integer division

The idea behind python arithmetic: //, % and **

In Python, / always gives a float, // is floor division (rounds down, even for negatives), % gives the remainder with the sign of the divisor, and ** is power (evaluated right to left). Precedence: ** then * / // % then + −.

Step-by-step method

  1. Apply ** first (right to left).
  2. Then *, /, //, % left to right.
  3. Then + and −.

Worked example 1 (Basic)

What does Python print for: print(20 // 8, 20 % 8)?

  1. 20 // 8 = floor(2.5) = 2
  2. 20 % 8 = 20 − 8 × 2 = 4
  3. Answer: 2 4

Worked example 2 (Standard)

What does Python print for: print(2 ** 3 ** 2)?

  1. ** is right-associative: 3 ** 2 = 9
  2. 2 ** 9 = 512
  3. Answer: 512

Worked example 3 (Challenge)

What does Python print for: print(-28 // 9, -28 % 9)?

  1. -28 // 9 = floor(-3.11) = -4
  2. -28 % 9 = -28 − 9 × -4 = 8
  3. Answer: -4 8

Common mistakes and misconceptions

  • Thinking −7 // 2 is −3 (it is −4)
  • Evaluating 2 ** 3 ** 2 left to right

Practice questions

  1. (Basic) What does Python print for: print(22 // 8, 22 % 8)?
  2. (Basic) What does Python print for: print(23 // 8, 23 % 8)?
  3. (Standard) What does Python print for: print(2 ** 2 ** 2)?
  4. (Standard) What does Python print for: print(2 ** 2 ** 3)?
  5. (Challenge) What does Python print for: print(-27 // 6, -27 % 6)?
  6. (Challenge) What does Python print for: print(-53 // 8, -53 % 8)?

Answer key with full working

  • Q1: 22 // 8 = floor(2.75) = 2 → 22 % 8 = 22 − 8 × 2 = 6 → Answer: 2 6
  • Q2: 23 // 8 = floor(2.88) = 2 → 23 % 8 = 23 − 8 × 2 = 7 → Answer: 2 7
  • Q3: ** is right-associative: 2 ** 2 = 4 → 2 ** 4 = 16 → Answer: 16
  • Q4: ** is right-associative: 2 ** 3 = 8 → 2 ** 8 = 256 → Answer: 256
  • Q5: -27 // 6 = floor(-4.5) = -5 → -27 % 6 = -27 − 6 × -5 = 3 → Answer: -5 3
  • Q6: -53 // 8 = floor(-6.63) = -7 → -53 % 8 = -53 − 8 × -7 = 3 → Answer: -7 3

Syllabus note

This skill is listed under "Python Fundamentals" for Class 11 in the NCERT/CBSE books. ICSE, IGCSE, IB and state boards may teach it in a different chapter or year.

Answers on this page are generated and automatically re-checked by a second, independent calculation. They have not been reviewed by a teacher — if you spot a problem, tell us on WhatsApp.

Related practice and notes

Frequently asked questions

Which chapter is python arithmetic: //, % and ** in?

"Python Fundamentals", Class 11 Computer Science (NCERT/CBSE). Other boards may place it differently.

How were the answers checked?

Answers on this page are generated and automatically re-checked by a second, independent calculation. They have not been reviewed by a teacher — if you spot a problem, tell us on WhatsApp.

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