What's the difference between "2*2" and "2**2" in Python?
PythonSyntaxPython Problem Overview
What is the difference between the following codes?
code1:
var=2**2*3
code2:
var2=2*2*3
I see no difference. This raises the following question.
Why is the code1 used if we can use code2?
Python Solutions
Solution 1 - Python
Try:
2**3*2
and
2*3*2
to see the difference.
** is the operator for "power of". In your particular operation, 2 to the power of 2 yields the same as 2 times 2.
Solution 2 - Python
Double stars (**) are exponentiation. So "2 times 2" and "2 to the power 2" are the same. Change the numbers and you'll see a difference.
Solution 3 - Python
2**2 means 2 squared (2^2)
2*2 mean 2 times 2 (2x2)
In this case they happen to have the same value, but...
3**3*4 != 3*3*4
Solution 4 - Python
For visual learners.........................
Solution 5 - Python
To specifically answer your question Why is the code1 used if we can use code2? I might suggest that the programmer was thinking in a mathematically broader sense. Specifically, perhaps the broader equation is a power equation, and the fact that both first numbers are "2" is more coincidence than mathematical reality. I'd want to make sure that the broader context of the code supports it being
var = x * x * ySolution 6 - Python
2**2 = 2 power-of 2
2*2 = 2 times 2
Solution 7 - Python
The ** operator in Python is really "power;" that is, 2**3 = 8.
Solution 8 - Python
The top one is a "power" operator, so in this case it is the same as 2 * 2 equal to is 2 to the power of 2. If you put a 3 in the middle position, you will see a difference.
Solution 9 - Python
A double asterisk means to the power of. A single asterisk means multiplied by. 22 is the same as 2x2 which is why both answers came out as 4.
Solution 10 - Python
Power has more precedence than multiply, so:
2**2*3 = (2^2)*3
2*2*3 = 2*2*3