Programming
Coding in Python
Arithmetic Operations

Arithmetic Operations

Theory

Basic Arithmetic Operations
  • A + B — addition
  • A - B — subtraction
  • A * B — multiplication
  • A / B — division (always returns a float)
  • A ** B — exponentiation (e.g. square root: x ** 0.5; nth root: x ** (1/n))

There is also a unary minus operator that takes a single argument and returns its negation:

>> -A
Operator Precedence

When several operations appear in one expression, Python applies them in this order:

  1. Exponentiation, evaluated right to left (so 3 ** 3 ** 3 is 3 ** (3 ** 3)).
  2. Unary minus (negation).
  3. Multiplication and division (including *, /, //, %), evaluated left to right.
  4. Addition and subtraction, evaluated left to right.

For example:

>> 1 + 2 * 3 ** 1 + 18
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Integer Division and Modulo

The / operator always produces a float. To perform integer (floor) division—discarding any fractional part—use //:

>> 17 // 3
5
>>> -17 // 3
-6

To get the remainder of a division, use the modulo operator %:

>> 17 % 3
2
>>> -17 % 3
1

Problems

End of Lessons

In some school, lessons start at 9:00. Each lesson lasts 45 minutes. After 1st, 3rd, 5th, etc. lessons there’s a 5-minute break, and after 2nd, 4th, 6th, etc. — a 15-minute break. Determine when the given lesson ends.

Full Problem

Total Cost

A pie in the canteen costs a ruble and b kopecks. Determine how many rubles and kopecks are needed to buy n pies.

Full Problem

Time Difference

You are given two moments of time on the same day: hours, minutes, and seconds. Determine how many seconds passed between them.

Full Problem

Test Drive

A car drives n kilometers per day. How many days are needed to cover a distance of m kilometers?

Full Problem

Apple Division - 3

n students divide k apples as evenly as possible so that the difference is no more than 1. How many students get fewer apples?

Full Problem

Snail

A snail climbs a pole of height h meters, going up a meters during the day and slipping b meters at night (a > b). Determine on what day the snail will reach the top.

Full Problem

Symmetric Number

Determine if a four-digit number is symmetric (i.e., reads the same forward and backward). Pad with leading zeroes if necessary. Output 1 if symmetric, otherwise any other number.

Full Problem

Check Divisibility

Given two natural numbers n and m. If one is divisible by the other, print 1, otherwise any other number.

Full Problem

Maximum

Write a program that reads two integers a and b and prints the maximum using only integer arithmetic (+, -, *, //, %, =). Do not use max function or conditionals.

Full Problem
Intro to Python
Data Types
Type Conversion
Data Input: input() function
Data Output: print() function
Our First Program
Turtle: Pong Game
Arithmetic Operations
Conditional Statements in Python
Nested Conditions
Boolean in Python
Logical Operators
Cascading Conditional Statements in Python

FAQ

Find quick answers to common questions about our lessons, pricing, scheduling, and how Exact Science can help your child excel.
Where do you hold your classes?
We hold our classes online or on-site on Saturdays at our branch in Pimlico Academy, London.
You can find our timetable here.
What do you need to start learning online?
For lessons you only need a computer or phone with a microphone, camera and Internet access. Wherever you are - in London, Nottingham, New York or Bali - online lessons will be at hand.
When can I take the trial lesson?
You can get acquainted with the school at any time convenient for you. To do this, just leave a request and sign up for a lesson.
What should I expect from the trial lesson?
The trial lesson is a 30-minute online session designed to get a sense of how your child approaches mathematical thinking and problem solving. (In practice, it often runs a bit longer if the student is engaged!)

We typically explore a range of fun and challenging problems drawn from competitions. We adapt the difficulty based on how the student responds, aiming to make it both accessible and stimulating.

After the session, we’ll have a quick conversation with the parent to share observations and suggest a personalised path forward.
I can't attend class, what should I do?
It is OK, it happens! Students have the opportunity to cancel a lesson up to 8 hours before the scheduled time without loss of payment. So you can reschedule it for a convenient time, and the teacher will have the opportunity to
I don't have much free time, will I have time to study?
Learning can take place at your own pace. We will select a convenient schedule and at any time we will help you change the schedule, take a break or adjust the program.
How long is one lesson?
All classes last 1 hour.

Meet our team

Our teachers will tell you how to prepare for exams, help you cope with difficult tasks and win the Olympiad
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Founder &
Maths and Coding Coach

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