A remainder is what's left over after a division: 10/3 = 3 remainder 1 12/5 = 2 remainder 2 27/3 = 9 remainder 0
and the modulus operator (which is % in python) gives you that remainder: 10%3 = 1 12%5 = 2 27%3 = 0 See http://mathworld.wolfram.com/Remainder.html and http://mathworld.wolfram.com/Modulus.html for more formal explanations. In particular, it explains some deeper meanings of the word "modulus". Once you get into group theory, it can start to mean some related but different things. Peace Bill Mill bill.mill at gmail.com On Tue, 15 Feb 2005 16:16:44 -0500, [EMAIL PROTECTED] <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> wrote: > Hi, > > I'm reading a Python book right now (Learning Python, a great book!), and > there > are few terms that come are brought up a few times but without any > explanation. > > So what are: > - "remainders" (in the context of remainders-of-division modulus for numbers) > - "modulus" (in the same context; I have also seen it in different context, > like > 3D graphics programs to perform certain types of calculations). > > Thanks > Bernard > _______________________________________________ > Tutor maillist - Tutor@python.org > http://mail.python.org/mailman/listinfo/tutor > _______________________________________________ Tutor maillist - Tutor@python.org http://mail.python.org/mailman/listinfo/tutor
