Python numbers

Introduction Reading Time: 10 min

Table of Contents

Description

In Python, numbers are a built-in data type used to store numeric values.
Python supports three main types of numbers:

int: Whole numbers (positive, negative, or zero) without a decimal point.

float: Real numbers with decimal points.

complex: Numbers with a real and imaginary part (e.g., 3 + 4j).

Python handles large numbers automatically, and there's no need to declare data types explicitly.

Prerequisites

  • Understanding of basic math operations.
  • Familiarity with Python syntax and variables.

Examples

Here's a simple program in Python:

# Integer (int)
a = 10          # a is an integer
b = -5          # negative integer

# Float
pi = 3.14159    # a floating-point number
g = -9.81       # negative float

# Complex number
z = 2 + 3j      # 2 is the real part, 3j is the imaginary part

# Type checking
print(type(a))   # Output: 
print(type(pi))  # Output: 
print(type(z))   # Output: 

# Accessing real and imaginary parts
print(z.real)  # Output: 2.0
print(z.imag)  # Output: 3.0
      

Real-World Applications

int: Counting items, indexing, iteration counters.

float: Scientific calculations, measurements, percentages

complex: Electrical engineering (AC circuit analysis), quantum mechanics, signal processing.

Where topic Can Be Applied

Finance applications: Float for interest rates, tax, pricing.

Physics and engineering simulations: Complex numbers in wave and circuit models.

Game development: Int for scores, float for movement precision.

AI/ML models: Numeric data processing using int and float types.

Scientific computing: Large numeric calculations using all three types.

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Interview Questions

What are the different numeric data types in Python?

How do you create a complex number in Python?

How is type conversion handled between int and float?

Can you access the real and imaginary parts of a complex number?

What is the output of type(5.0) and type(5)?