Programming in the C language often begins with mastering its fundamental building blocks, and arithmetic operators are among the most crucial. In this article, we’ll delve into the basics of C programming by exploring the commonly used arithmetic operators: addition (+), subtraction (-), multiplication (*), division (/), and modulus (%). Through real-world examples and detailed explanations, you’ll gain a solid understanding of how to use these operators effectively. Understanding the basics of C programming, such as arithmetic operators, is essential for any aspiring programmer. In this article, we’ve explored the fundamental arithmetic operators in C (+, -, *, /, and %) with real-world examples and their respective outputs. Armed with this knowledge, you’re ready to tackle more complex programming tasks and build powerful C applications. Practice and experimentation are the keys to becoming proficient in C programming, so don’t hesitate to explore further and refine your skills.
Addition (+)
The addition operator (+) is used to add two or more values together. Let’s look at a simple example:
#include <stdio.h>
int main() {
int num1 = 10;
int num2 = 5;
int result = num1 + num2;
printf("The sum of %d and %d is %d\n", num1, num2, result);
return 0;
}
Output:
The sum of 10 and 5 is 15
Subtraction (-)
The subtraction operator (-) is used to subtract one value from another. Here’s an example:
#include <stdio.h>
int main() {
int num1 = 15;
int num2 = 7;
int result = num1 - num2;
printf("The difference between %d and %d is %d\n", num1, num2, result);
return 0;
}
Output:
The difference between 15 and 7 is 8
Multiplication (*)
The multiplication operator (*) is used to multiply two or more values. Take a look at this example:
#include <stdio.h>
int main() {
int num1 = 8;
int num2 = 4;
int result = num1 * num2;
printf("The product of %d and %d is %d\n", num1, num2, result);
return 0;
}
Output:
The product of 8 and 4 is 32
Division (/)
The division operator (/) is used to divide one value by another. Here’s an example:
#include <stdio.h>
int main() {
int num1 = 20;
int num2 = 5;
float result = (float)num1 / num2;
printf("The result of %d divided by %d is %.2f\n", num1, num2, result);
return 0;
}
Output:
The result of 20 divided by 5 is 4.00
Modulus (%)
The modulus operator (%) is used to find the remainder when one value is divided by another. Let’s see it in action:
#include <stdio.h>
int main() {
int num1 = 17;
int num2 = 5;
int result = num1 % num2;
printf("The remainder of %d divided by %d is %d\n", num1, num2, result);
return 0;
}
Output:
The remainder of 17 divided by 5 is 2