More Arithmetic: % and **

An operator that returns the remainder left over after dividing one number by another.

Part of: JavaScript Coding without HTML and CSS — Module 6, ACARA Digital Technologies Years 7–8 — Programming with Control Structures and Functions (JavaScript) — Module 17

Understanding More Arithmetic: % and ** in JavaScript

What it does: This expression checks whether num is an even number. This raises 3 to the power of 3, or 3 * 3 * 3. % gives you what's left over after dividing. ** performs exponentiation, like squaring or cubing a number. JavaScript uses **, not ^, for exponentiation. JavaScript uses %, not the word mod, for remainder. 2 raised to the power of 4 is 16. The remainder operator is a single %, not %%.

Common mistakes: Use %, not the word mod, for the remainder operator. JavaScript uses ** for exponents, not ^.

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Free printable worksheet with full answer key — or add this module to a class and your students practise it interactively.

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This module's key terms are also in a printable crossword (Modules 1–10) and word search (Modules 1–29).

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Each concept is reinforced from every angle — learned, then applied, then tested.

Learning

Duo

Does % return the remainder of a division?

YesNo

Matches

console.log(10 mod 3);

↓

Wrong - use % instead of the word mod

Applying

Meanings

Term

Meaning

An operator that returns the remainder left over after dividing one number by another.

Practice

console.log(10 % 3);

Testing

Gaps

console.log(10 3);

Check Answer

Spots

1console.log(10 mod 3);

2console.log(10 % 3);

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Quick Questions

1. Does % return the remainder of a division?

A. No

B. Yes ✓

% gives you what's left over after dividing.

2. Does ** raise a number to a power?

A. Yes ✓

B. No

** performs exponentiation, like squaring or cubing a number.

3. Is ^ used for exponents in JavaScript?

A. No ✓

B. Yes

JavaScript uses **, not ^, for exponentiation.

4. Can % be used to check if a number is even?

A. Yes ✓

B. No

num % 2 === 0 checks whether a number is even.

5. Is 'mod' a valid JavaScript operator for remainder?

A. Yes

B. No ✓

JavaScript uses %, not the word mod, for remainder.

Match the Pairs

10 % 3 → Returns the remainder after dividing 10 by 3

2 ** 4 → Raises 2 to the power of 4

Checks if a number divides evenly with no remainder → num % 2 === 0

Multiplies a number by itself repeatedly → 3 ** 3

console.log(10 mod 3); → Wrong - use % instead of the word mod

console.log(2 ^ 4); → Wrong - use ** instead of ^ for exponents

Key Term

%

An operator that returns the remainder left over after dividing one number by another.

Fill in the Blanks

1. console.log(10 % 3);

Hint: Type the operator that returns the remainder of a division.

2. console.log(2 ** 4);

Hint: Type the operator that raises a number to a power.

3. let remainder = 7 % 2;

Hint: Type the operator that returns the remainder of a division.

4. let cube = 3 ** 3;

Hint: Type the operator that raises a number to a power.

5. let isEven = num % 2 === 0;

Hint: Type the operator that returns the remainder of a division.

Spot the Error

Question 1

A console.log(10 mod 3);

B console.log(10 % 3);

C console.log(2 ** 4);

Line A — Use %, not the word mod, for the remainder operator.

Question 2

A console.log(2 ^ 4);

B console.log(2 ** 4);

C console.log(10 % 3);

Line A — JavaScript uses ** for exponents, not ^.

Question 3

A let r = 9 % 4;

B let s = 9 // 4;

C let p = 2 ** 3;

Line B — Remainder uses %, not //, in JavaScript.

Question 4

A let x = 5 % 2;

B let w = 5 pow 2;

C let z = 5 ** 2;

Line B — Exponents use **, not the word pow, in JavaScript.

Question 5

A let a = 8 % 3;

B let b = 8 ** 2;

C let c = 8 %% 3;

Line C — The remainder operator is a single %, not %%.

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