Operators in Python (Arithmetic, Comparison, Logical)

1. Introduction

Understanding operators in Python (Arithmetic, Comparison, Logical) is essential for performing calculations, making decisions, and controlling the flow of a program. Operators help manipulate data and perform different operations like addition, subtraction, comparisons, and logical evaluations.

In this guide, we will cover arithmetic, comparison, and logical operators, their syntax, real-life applications, common mistakes, and how to fix them.

Focus Keyphrase: Operators in Python (Arithmetic, Comparison, Logical)

2. Arithmetic Operators in Python

Arithmetic operators perform basic mathematical calculations.

Operator	Description	Example	Output
+	Addition	5 + 3	8
-	Subtraction	10 - 4	6
*	Multiplication	6 * 2	12
/	Division	9 / 3	3.0
//	Floor Division	10 // 3	3
%	Modulus (Remainder)	10 % 3	1
**	Exponentiation	2 ** 3	8

Example of Arithmetic Operators

a = 10
b = 3

print("Addition:", a + b)  # 13
print("Subtraction:", a - b)  # 7
print("Multiplication:", a * b)  # 30
print("Division:", a / b)  # 3.3333
print("Floor Division:", a // b)  # 3
print("Modulus:", a % b)  # 1
print("Exponentiation:", a ** b)  # 1000

Real-Life Application:

• E-commerce Websites: Calculating total price, discounts, and taxes.
• Banking Applications: Computing loan interest and EMI payments.

3. Comparison Operators in Python

Comparison operators compare two values and return True or False.

Operator	Description	Example	Output
==	Equal to	5 == 5	True
!=	Not equal to	5 != 3	True
>	Greater than	10 > 5	True
<	Less than	5 < 10	True
>=	Greater than or equal to	10 >= 10	True
<=	Less than or equal to	5 <= 3	False

Example of Comparison Operators

x = 15
y = 10

print(x > y)  # True
print(x < y)  # False
print(x == y)  # False
print(x != y)  # True
print(x >= 15)  # True
print(y <= 10)  # True

Real-Life Application:

• Authentication Systems: Checking if the entered password matches the stored password.
• Age Verification Systems: Determining if a user is eligible for certain services.

4. Logical Operators in Python

Logical operators combine multiple conditions and return True or False.

Operator	Description	Example	Output
and	Returns True if both conditions are True	(5 > 2) and (10 > 3)	True
or	Returns True if at least one condition is True	(5 < 2) or (10 > 3)	True
not	Reverses the result (negation)	not(5 > 2)	False

Example of Logical Operators

a = 5
b = 10
c = 15

print((a < b) and (b < c))  # True
print((a > b) or (b < c))  # True
print(not (a > b))  # True

Real-Life Application:

• Login Systems: Checking if both username and password are correct (and).
• Search Filters: Filtering products with “in stock” OR “on sale” conditions.

5. Common Mistakes and How to Fix Them

Mistake 1: Using = Instead of == in Comparisons

❌ Incorrect:

if age = 18:  # Error: Single '=' is used for assignment
    print("You are an adult.")

✅ Fix: Use == for comparisons.

if age == 18:
    print("You are an adult.")

Mistake 2: Integer Division Instead of Float Division

❌ Incorrect:

result = 5 / 2  # Output: 2.5 (Expected, but may cause issues in old Python 2 versions)

✅ Fix: If integer division is needed, use //.

result = 5 // 2  # Output: 2

Mistake 3: Incorrect Logical Operator Usage

❌ Incorrect:

if age > 18 and age < 30 or age == 40:
    print("Eligible")

✅ Fix: Use parentheses for clarity.

if (age > 18 and age < 30) or (age == 40):
    print("Eligible")

6. Conclusion

Operators in Python (Arithmetic, Comparison, Logical) are essential for performing calculations, making decisions, and controlling program flow. Mastering these operators helps in writing efficient and error-free code. Learn more advanced operators

Next Steps:

• Experiment with different Python operators.
• Use operators in real-life projects like calculators and data analysis.
• Learn about bitwise and assignment operators for advanced programming.