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" is 4.

Step-by-step solution

Understand the Operator

In this statement, the "//" operator represents integer division, which means the division between two integers resulting in an integer answer without the remainder.

Perform the Integer Division

We have to calculate the result of 9 divided by 2 using integer division. This operation can be written as: result = \frac{9}{2}

Calculate the Result

Since we are using integer division, the result will be an integer (quotient) without the remainder. In this case, 9 divided by 2 is equal to 4 with a remainder of 1, so the result is assigned the quotient value: result = 4

Key concepts

Integer Division

In Python, integer division is a special type of division where you perform division between two numbers and get the result without any remainder. The symbol for integer division is "//".
This means that when you divide one number by another using this operator, the result is the whole number of times the divisor fully fits into the dividend.
For example, when you divide 9 by 2 using integer division, it evaluates to 4, because 2 fits into 9, four complete times.
Here are some key points:

• Integer division is useful when you don't care about the remainder.
• It always returns a whole number (an integer).
• The result is like stepping down to the nearest integer when the division result is a decimal.

Quotient

In mathematics and programming, the quotient is the result you get from dividing one number by another, excluding any remainder.
When using integer division in Python, the quotient is automatically the result.
To illustrate, consider dividing 9 by 2. The division gives 4 as the quotient and leaves a remainder of 1.
This quotient is crucial for tasks where only whole results are needed, like counting pieces or distributing items evenly.

Remember these characteristics:

• The quotient in integer division is always a whole number.
• It helps in understanding the scale of division without leftovers.
• It is the main result when considering integer division specifically.

Programming Concepts

Programming involves various concepts and operators that help in performing calculations and creating logical operations. Understanding these is key to writing effective code.
One of these concepts is the use of operators, like the integer division operator "//" in Python.
Here's why understanding programming concepts is beneficial:

• They help you solve problems efficiently.
• They enable you to break down complex calculations into manageable steps.
• Knowing operators like "//" aids in optimizing your codes for better performance.

Furthermore, many programming puzzles and real-world tasks rely on solid understanding of these foundational concepts. Whether you are automating a process or creating a game, the concepts stay the same.