Arithmetic operators
Lesson details
Learning outcome
I can use a variety of arithmetic operators in a program.
Key learning points
- Arithmetic expressions are used to calculate values.
- Arithmetic expressions can be used in selection statements. Expressions either return as True or False.
- In real division there is no remainder because the entire value is divided.
- Integer division is when any remainder of a division is discarded.
- Modulo division (MOD) will return only the remainder of a division.
Keywords
Operator - a symbol or word that instructs the computer to perform a specific calculation or action
Arithetic expression - an expression that results in a numeric value
Integer division - sometimes known as floor division, is when any remainder of a division is discarded
Modulo division - an operation that gives you the remainder when one number is divided by another
Common misconception
Just like addition, subtraction and multiplication there is only one type of division in programming.
There are three types of division in programming; real, integer and modulo division. Each deal with remainder values differently and will be useful in different ways in programming.
Teacher tip
This lesson requires pupils to understand the order of precedence of operations. Spend some time ensuring pupils understand the concepts covered in the maths curriculum before moving on to implementing in programs.
Equipment
Pupils will need access to a device that can edit and run Python programs. Examples in this lesson use the RPF Code Editor https://oak.link/python-editor
Licence
Lesson video
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Prior knowledge starter quiz
6 Questions
Q1.What will be displayed if the user inputs "Python"?
123456print("Name the best programming language?")
language = input()
if language == "Python":
print("Hi Pythonista")
else:
print("Wrong!")Code colour
Q2.What will this program output?
1234567number = 13
if number < 10:
print("small")
elif number < 100:
print("medium")
elif number < 1000:
print("large")Code colour
Q3.What will this program output if the user enters 0?
123456print("Enter a number")
number = int(input())
if number >= 0:
print(f"{number} is positive")
else:
print(f"{number} is negative")Code colour
Q4.If a program checks a condition and finds it to be False, what happens next?
Q5.Match the term to the description.
used when there is more than one possible path for a program to follow
an expression that evaluates to True or False
used when there are multiple paths for a program to follow
Q6.What is the name of the shape used to represent a decision in a flow chart?
Assessment exit quiz
6 Questions
Q1.What is an arithmetic operator?
Q2.What is the result of 10 - 2 + 2 * 5
Q3.What does the // symbol represent?
Q4.What is the result of 14 // 3?
Q5.What does the modulo operator (%) return?
Q6.Match the symbol to the operation.
addition
real division
multiplication
integer division
modulo division
exponentiation
To help you plan your 10 computer science lesson on: Arithmetic operators, download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs...
To help you plan your 10 computer science lesson on: Arithmetic operators, download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs.
The starter quiz will activate and check your pupils' prior knowledge, with versions available both with and without answers in PDF format.
We use learning cycles to break down learning into key concepts or ideas linked to the learning outcome. Each learning cycle features explanations with checks for understanding and practice tasks with feedback. All of this is found in our slide decks, ready for you to download and edit. The practice tasks are also available as printable worksheets and some lessons have additional materials with extra material you might need for teaching the lesson.
The assessment exit quiz will test your pupils' understanding of the key learning points.
Our video is a tool for planning, showing how other teachers might teach the lesson, offering helpful tips, modelled explanations and inspiration for your own delivery in the classroom. Plus, you can set it as homework or revision for pupils and keep their learning on track by sharing an online pupil version of this lesson.
Explore more key stage 4 computer science lessons from the Programming: selection unit, dive into the full secondary computer science curriculum, or learn more about lesson planning.