Arithmetic Expressions allow us to perform mathematical operations within Java.
Such expressions can be used for basic math and even more complex algorithms.
Operator | Description |
---|---|
+ | Addition operator (Ex. 1 + 1 = 2) |
- | Subtraction operator (Ex. 2 - 1 = 1) |
* | Multiplication operator (Ex. 2 * 2 = 4) |
/ | Division operator (Ex. 6 / 2 = 3) |
% | Modulus operator (Ex. 10 % 3 = 1) |
The addition operator allows us to add values together.
Here is an example of the addition operator in Java:
public class AdditionOperator extends ConsoleProgram
{
public void run()
{
int firstVal = 5;
int secondVal = 2;
int firstPlusSecond = firstVal + secondVal;
// The output will be '7'
System.out.println(firstPlusSecond);
}
}
The subtraction operator allows us to subtract values from one another.
Here is an example of the subtraction operator in Java:
public class SubtractionOperator extends ConsoleProgram
{
public void run()
{
int firstVal = 4;
int secondVal = 2;
int firstMinusSecond = firstVal - secondVal;
// The output will be '2'
System.out.println(firstMinusSecond);
}
}
The multiplication operator allows us to multiply values.
Here is an example of the multiplication operator in Java:
public class MultiplicationOperator extends ConsoleProgram
{
public void run()
{
int firstVal = 4;
int secondVal = 2;
int firstMultSecond = firstVal * secondVal;
// The output will be '8'
System.out.println(firstMultSecond);
}
}
The division operator allows us to divide values.
Here is an example of the division operator in Java:
public class DivisionOperator extends ConsoleProgram
{
int firstVal = 6;
int secondVal = 3;
int firstDivSecond = firstVal / secondVal;
// The output will be '2'
System.out.println(firstDivSecond);
}
The modulus operator allows us to divide two numbers, and get the remainder.
Here is an example of the modulus operator in Java:
public class ModulusOperator extends ConsoleProgram
{
int firstVal = 17;
int secondVal = 5;
int firstModSecond = firstVal % secondVal;
// The output will be '2' since the remainder of 17 / 5 is 3.
System.out.println(firstModSecond);
}
It is important to remember that the order of operations still apply. In instances where you have multiple operators with the same precedence the order will be, left to right.
Operator | Precedence |
---|---|
( ) Parenthesis |
1st |
* / Multiplication and Division |
2nd |
+ - Addition and Subtraction |
3rd |
There are multiple types of division that can be performed in Java. These forms include: integer division, double division, and mixed division.
If you divide two integers you will be returned an integer value.
So in this case, while 2 / 5 = 2.5
, in Java 2 / 5 = 2
. This always holds true, unless the type is specified as a double. Whenever you divide two integers, the return value is always truncated.
Dividing doubles is different from dividing integers.
When you divide two doubles you will be returned a double. In this case, 2.0 / 5.0 = 2.5
will be your result.
Mixed division is when you divide a double by an integer, or an integer by a double.
When you used mixed division in your program you will be returned a double. This is true, unless the type is specifically defined as an integer.
Consider the following piece of code:
double x = 2;
int y = 5;
double outXY = x / y; // 0.4
double outYX = y / x; // 2.5
int outInt = (int)(y / x); // 2
There are shortcuts available when performing arithmetic expressions.
Consider the following table:
Original | Shortcut | Description |
---|---|---|
counter = counter + 1; |
counter++; |
Increment a variable by 1 |
counter = counter - 1; |
counter--; |
Subtract 1 from a variable |
x = x + y |
x += y |
Adding values to a variable |
x = x - y |
x -= y |
Subtracting values from a variable |
x = x * y; |
x *= y |
Multiplying values to a variable |
x = x / y; |
x /= y |
Dividing values from a variable |