What does %= mean in Python?

Nina 157 Published: 05/29/2024

What does %= mean in Python?

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What is modulus in Python

I'd be happy to explain what modulus is in Python!

In programming, the modulus operator (%) returns the remainder of an integer division operation. In other words, it gives you the "leftover" amount after dividing two numbers.

In Python, the modulus operator is used to find the remainder of a division operation. For example, if you divide 17 by 5, the result would be 3 with a remainder of 2 (since 17 = 3 * 5 + 2). In Python, you can write this as:

print(17 % 5)
Output: 2

In this example, the % operator calculates the remainder when 17 is divided by 5. The result is 2.

The modulus operator has many practical uses in programming, such as:

Checking for divisibility: You can use the modulus operator to check if one number is divisible by another. For example, you could write a function that checks if a given number is even or odd: 
def is_even(n):

return n % 2 == 0
Finding the remainder of a division operation: As mentioned earlier, the modulus operator can be used to find the remainder of a division operation. Simplifying arithmetic operations: The modulus operator can help simplify complex arithmetic operations by reducing them to smaller, more manageable pieces. Creating circular or cyclical behaviors: In games and simulations, the modulus operator is often used to create circular or cyclical behaviors, such as rotating objects on a grid.

Some examples of using the modulus operator in Python include:

# Find the remainder of dividing 17 by 5

print(17 % 5)  # Output: 2

Check if a number is even

def is_even(n):


return n % 2 == 0


print(is_even(10))  # Output: True


print(is_even(11))  # Output: False

Create a circular behavior in a game

class Player:


def init(self, x, y):


self.x = x


self.y = y


def move(self, dx, dy):


self.x += dx % 5


self.y += dy % 3


player = Player(0, 0)


print(player.move(2, 4))  # Output: (2, 1) (since 7 mod 5 is 2 and 6 mod 3 is 1)

In conclusion, the modulus operator in Python provides a powerful way to perform integer division with remainder, check for divisibility, simplify arithmetic operations, and create circular or cyclical behaviors.

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