Operators (Arithmetic & Comparison)

Operators are the little symbols that DO something with your values, like the +, -, x, and / buttons on a calculator. 'Arithmetic' operators do math: add, subtract, multiply, divide. 'Comparison' operators work like a balance scale. They weigh two values against each other and answer with a yes/no, called a 'boolean'. Is this side bigger, smaller, or exactly equal?

1. 1Arithmetic operators are `+` (add), `-` (subtract), `*` (multiply), and division. Division comes in two flavors: regular division, and 'whole number' division that throws away any leftover. The leftover itself is called the 'remainder', found with `%`.
2. 2Comparison operators are `==`/`===` (is equal), `>` (greater than), `<` (less than), and `<=`/`>=` (less/greater than OR equal). Every one of these hands back a boolean, `true` or `false`.
3. 3You can mix operators together, like checking `a > b`. The computer works out the math or comparison the same way you would with pen and paper, left to right.

Use these operators anytime you do math on numbers, or anytime your code needs to decide 'is this bigger?' or 'is this the same?'. Examples: splitting a bill evenly, checking if someone's old enough, or scoring a quiz.

• ⚠Using a single `=` (which SETS a value) when you meant `==` or `===` (which CHECKS if two values are equal). This is a very common beginner slip.
• ⚠Forgetting that regular division can leave a fraction. If you only want whole numbers, you need a specific 'whole number division' tool, not just `/`.