Arithmetic operators in Java

In Java, arithmetic operators are used to perform basic mathematical operations on numeric values. They can be applied to all primitive number types, including byte, short, int, long, float, and double.

We learned the Types of Operators in the previous Java tutorial. In this Java tutorial, we'll explore the syntax, types, and examples of arithmetic operators in Java.  95% of Java newbies miss jobs without basic skills. Don’t lose out, Enroll now in our Free Java Training to start strong and land your dream role!

What are the Arithmetic Operators in Java?

Operators in Java, a Java toolkit, are being used as a symbol that performs various operations according to the code. Arithmetic operators are fundamental components of Java that empower developers to perform mathematical operations and manipulate numeric values within their programs. Arithmetic operators are symbols or characters that perform mathematical operations on numeric operands. The primary arithmetic operators in Java include addition (+), subtraction (-), multiplication (*), division (/), and modulus (%).

Syntax:

The syntax for using arithmetic operators in Java is straightforward:

result = operand1 operator operand2;

Here, operand1 and operand2 are numeric values or variables, and the operator is the arithmetic operator that defines the operation to be performed.

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Types of Arithmetic Operators

Arithmetic Operators in Java are particularly used for performing arithmetic operations on given data or variables. There are various types of operators in Java, such as

1. Addition Operator (+)

The addition operator (+) is used to add two numeric values. It can be applied to variables, literals, or a combination of both.

Example

int a = 5;
int b = 3;
int sum = a + b;
System.out.println("Sum: " + sum);

In this example, the variables a and b are added, and the result is stored in the variable sum. The output will be Sum: 8.

2. Subtraction Operator (-)

The subtraction operator (-) is used to subtract the right operand from the left operand.

Example

int x = 10;
int y = 7;
int difference = x - y;
System.out.println("Difference: " + difference);

The output of this code will be Difference: 3.

3. Multiplication Operator

The multiplication operator (*) is used to multiply two numeric values.

Example

int p = 4;
int q = 6;
int product = p * q;
System.out.println("Product: " + product);

4. Division Operator (/)

Example

double numerator = 15.0;
int denominator = 3;
double result = numerator / denominator;
System.out.println("Result: " + result);

5. Modulus Operator (%)

Example

int num = 17;
int divisor = 5;
int remainder = num % divisor;
System.out.println("Remainder: " + remainder);

6. Operator Precedence

Example

int result = 10 + 2 * 5;
System.out.println("Result: " + result);

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Example of Arithmetic Operators in Java

 public class ArithmeticOperationsExample {
    public static void main(String[] args) {
        // Given values
        int a = 10;
        int b = 3;

        // Arithmetic operations
        int sum = a + b; // 13
        int difference = a - b; // 7
        int product = a * b; // 30
        double quotient = (double) a / b; // 3.333...
        int remainder = a % b; // 1

        // Displaying results
        System.out.println("Sum: " + sum);
        System.out.println("Difference: " + difference);
        System.out.println("Product: " + product);
        System.out.println("Quotient: " + quotient);
        System.out.println("Remainder: " + remainder);
    }
}

Sum: 13
Difference: 7
Product: 30
Quotient: 3.3333333333333335
Remainder: 1

• Relational operators in Java
• Logical operators in Java
• Assignment operator in Java
• Unary operator in Java
• Bitwise operator in Java
• Ternary operator in Java

Why they are so important:

• Basic Building Block of Logic: You can't write meaningful programs without performing calculations. Arithmetic operators let you handle numbers efficiently.

• Used in Real-World Applications: From calculating totals in billing systems to updating game scores or processing sensor data in IoT, arithmetic operations are everywhere.

• Support for Problem Solving and Decision Making: You often need to compare values or compute results before making decisions (like if statements), and that usually involves arithmetic.
• Works with Different Data Types: Arithmetic operators can be used with integers, floating-point numbers, characters (as ASCII), and more—making them highly flexible.
• Foundation for Advanced Concepts: They are used in loops, algorithms, and data structures like arrays and matrices, where calculations are frequently required.

Common Mistakes to Avoid When Using Arithmetic Operators in Java

While arithmetic operators in Java are simple to use, beginners often make a few common mistakes. Understanding these will help you write accurate and bug-free programs.

1. Integer Division Confusion-In Java, if both operands are integers, division gives only the whole number (quotient) and discards the decimal part.

Example:

int a = 10, b = 3;
System.out.println(a / b);  // Output: 3 (NOT 3.33)

2. Not Using Parentheses Properly in Expressions-Without parentheses, Java follows operator precedence rules, which may not give the expected result.

Example:

int result = 10 + 5 * 2;     // Output: 20 (Multiplication happens first)

3. Using % (Modulus) Instead of / (Division)-Beginners often confuse the modulus operator % with division /./ gives the quotient, while % gives the remainder.

Example:

int a = 10, b = 3;
System.out.println(a / b);  // Output: 3 (Quotient)
System.out.println(a % b);  // Output: 1 (Remainder)

Summary

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