Arithmetic operators

JavaScript course · Beginner · Lesson 7/133

Learn basic arithmetic with +, -, *, /, % and ** operators.

Arithmetic operators

In JavaScript, the basic four operations use arithmetic operators: + for addition, - for subtraction, * for multiplication, / for division. These signs keep the meaning they have in everyday math.

For example, to compute a cafe's daily revenue you would write const revenue = price * cups;. The operator takes two values, produces a new one and assigns it to the variable.

Modulo and exponentiation

Two more operators will come in handy. % (modulo) gives the remainder of a division: 17 % 5 returns 2 because 17 = 3*5 + 2. It is great for even/odd checks or minute-to-second conversions.

** raises to a power: 2 ** 3 returns 8. The same as multiplying three 2's together. Use it for areas or compound interest.

Exercise Compute the total price

Declare a total variable and assign the product of price and quantity. Use the multiplication operator.

Show example solution

const price = 25;
const quantity = 4;
// Total price
let total = price * quantity;

Test yourself

What is the result of 6 * 7?
```
console.log(6 * 7);
```
- 36
- 42
- 13
- 67
Show answer

42 — Correct. 6 times 7 is 42.

Write the remainder operator

const remainder = 17 ____ 5;
console.log(remainder);

Show answer

const remainder = 17 % 5;
console.log(remainder);

Match each operator to its meaning

+

Addition
-

Subtraction
*

Multiplication
/

Division

All lessons in Beginner

1 Variables and data types

Arithmetic operators