A Quick Note on Python Numbers
Numbers are a fundamental data type in any programming language, and Python is no exception. Python supports several types of numbers, but the most common are int, float, and complex.
Integers (int)
Integers are whole numbers, both positive and negative, without any decimal points. In Python, integers can be of any length, limited only by the memory available.
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# Integer examples
x = 10
y = -3000
z = 12345678901234567890
print(type(x)) # <class 'int'>
Floating-Point Numbers (float)
Floating-point numbers, or floats, are numbers that have a decimal point. They can also be scientific numbers with an “e” to indicate the power of 10.
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# Float examples
x = 10.5
y = -3.14
z = 35e3
print(type(x)) # <class 'float'>
Complex Numbers (complex)
Complex numbers are written with a “j” as the imaginary part. They consist of a real part and an imaginary part.
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# Complex number examples
x = 3 + 5j
y = -5j
z = 3j
print(type(x)) # <class 'complex'>
You can access the real and imaginary parts of a complex number using the real and imag attributes:
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print(x.real) # 3.0
print(x.imag) # 5.0
Conclusion
Python’s number types provide a flexible and powerful way to work with numerical data. Whether you’re doing simple arithmetic or complex scientific calculations, Python has the right tools for the job. Understanding the differences between int, float, and complex will help you write more accurate and efficient code.