[Tutor] Division by negative numbers [was: no subject]

[Steven D'Aprano]

Jason Barrett wrote:
> In python, why does 17/-10= -2? Shouldn't it be -1?

Integer division with negative numbers can be done in two different ways.

(1) 17/-10 gives -1, with remainder 7.

Proof: -1 times -10 is 10, plus 7 gives 17.


(2) 17/-10 gives -2, with remainder -3.

Proof: -2 times -10 is 20, plus -3 gives 17.

[Aside: technically, integer division with positive numbers also has the same 
choice: 17 = 1*10+7 or 2*10-3.]

Every language has to choose whether to support the first or the second 
version. Python happens to choose the second. Other languages might make the 
same choice, or the other.

For example, C leaves that decision up to the compiler. Different C compiles 
may give different results, which is not very useful in my opinion.

Ruby behaves like Python:


steve at orac:/home/steve$ irb
irb(main):001:0> 17/10
=> 1
irb(main):002:0> 17/-10
=> -2



Other languages may be different.

P.S. in future, please try to include a meaningful subject line to your posts.


-- 
Steven