Question

What value will be assigned to result after the following statement executes? result \(=9 / / 2\)

Short answer

Answer: The value assigned to the variable "result" will be 4.

Step-by-step solution

Perform the division operation

Dividing 9 by 2: \( \frac{9}{2} = 4.5 \)

Apply the floor function

The floor function will round down the result of dividing 9 by 2: \( \lfloor 4.5 \rfloor = 4 \)

Assign the result to the variable

Now, we assign the result of the floor division to the variable "result": result = 4

Key concepts

Division Operation

In Python, division involves splitting a number into equal parts. When you see the symbol "/" in a Python expression, it performs a division operation that gives you a floating-point result. For example, dividing 9 by 2 using the division operator results in 4.5. This is because 9 divided by 2 equals four full twos and a half remaining. The result of the division operation can be a decimal, which means it's not always a whole number.

Python also provides another symbol for division, which is the floor division "//". This doesn't just give you the nearest whole number; instead, it always rounds down to the next smallest integer. Understanding how to use these symbols accurately is key to achieving the desired result in your program.

If a precise whole number like 4.5 is needed from 9 divided by 2, applying floor division comes in handy. So in the expression "result = 9 // 2", the operator "//" ensures the answer is not 4.5, but 4.

Floor Function

The floor function is an essential concept in mathematics and computer programming. In Python, when you hear 'floor', think 'rounding down.' The floor function takes a decimal or floating-point number and rounds it down to the nearest whole number.

For example, using the earlier division, if you divide 9 by 2, you get 4.5. When you apply the floor function to this number, it reduces to 4. This isn't about just dropping the decimal but moving to the nearest integer lower than the initial number. It effectively truncates or ignores everything after the decimal point.

Floor functions are valuable when you need whole numbers without rounding up, especially in scenarios like resource allocation or indexing in programming. In Python, using floor division "//" directly applies this function during the operation, simplifying the process for the programmer.

Variable Assignment

In programming, variable assignment is like telling the computer to remember a specific value using a name you choose. Think of variables as labeled boxes where you store data. Assigning a variable involves linking a name to some data, allowing you to use it easily later on in your code.

The syntax is straightforward: you write the variable name, followed by the equal sign, and then the value. For instance, "result = 4" means that the name 'result' remembers or stores the value 4. This concept is fundamental as it helps keep your code organized and makes managing data much more efficient.

• Initialization: When you first assign a value to a variable.
• Reassignment: Changing the value that a variable holds at a later point in the code.
• Constant Values: Although Python allows changes to variables, it's good to know constants, which are variables set once and not meant to be changed.

Knowing how to assign variables is crucial as it greatly influences the readability and maintainability of your code.