← Python

Basic Arithmetic

Python uses +, -, *, / operators to perform arithmetic on numbers

Part of: Python Journey — Module 6

What it does: Python's four basic arithmetic operators are +, -, *, and /. They follow the standard order of operations — multiplication and division happen before addition and subtraction, so 8 + 3 * 2 evaluates to 14, not 22. One Python-specific quirk: / always returns a float, even when the numbers divide evenly — 10 / 4 gives 2.5, and even 20 / 4 gives 5.0, not the integer 5.

Common mistakes: Writing x instead of * for multiplication (5 x 3 is a syntax error, not multiplication) is a common slip carried over from maths class. Dividing by zero — 10 / 0 — raises a ZeroDivisionError rather than returning a value.

Class: _____________________  ·  Name: _____________________  ·  Date: _________

Free printable worksheet with full answer key — or add this module to a journey and assign it to your class.

🖨 Print Worksheet and Answer key of Basic Arithmetic (PDF)

Take this worksheet further — free with Cloodit

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

Learning
Duo
What is 5 + 3?
853
Matches
❌ 5 x 3
↓
Error: Use * not x
Applying
Meanings
Term
5 + 3
Meaning
+ adds two numbers together.
Practice
sum_result = 5 + 3
Testing
Gaps
sum = 5 3
Check Answer
Spots
1total = 5 + 3
2result = 10 x 2

Cloodit turns curriculum-aligned coding content into journeys students work through one biome at a time.

The 'Hermit Crab' badge — Definition Collector, one of Cloodit's 106 collectible badges
Students earn collectable badges

Over 100 of them, across seven natural biomes.

Study Buddy
Students build a real study resource

Turns their work into revision material ready for Flash Cards and Exam study.

Diamond Dash — one of Cloodit's live, competitive Sprint games
Students lock in with Sprints

Live, competitive practice for the start of the lesson or a teacher-led lesson finisher.

A Cloodit certificate of achievement, ready to personalise and print
Custom printable certificates

Honour your top performers, or encourage a student who's trying hard — ready to print in seconds.

Teach this with your class →

Quick Questions

1. What is 5 + 3?
A. 8 ✓
B. 53
53 would be string concatenation — with numbers, + does arithmetic
2. What is 10 - 4?
A. 14
B. 6 ✓
3. What is 6 * 2?
A. 8
B. 12 ✓
4. What is 15 / 3?
A. 5.0 ✓
B. 5
/ always returns a float in Python — even when the result is a whole number
5. What does * mean?
A. Add
B. Multiply ✓

Match the Pairs

5 x 3 → Error: Use * not x
result = 10 / 0 → Error: Division by zero
total = 8 + 3 * 2 → Valid: BODMAS applies
result = 10 / 4 → Ok: division gives float
print(7 - 3) → Output: 4
print(3 * 4) → Output: 12

Key Term

5 + 3
+ adds two numbers together.~~10 - 4

Fill in the Blanks

1. sum = 5 + 3
2. multiply = 10 * 2
3. subtract = 15 - 5
4. quotient = 20 / 4
5. total = 7 + 3 print(total)

Spot the Error

Question 1
A total = 5 + 3
B result = 10 x 2
C print(result)
Line B — Line 2 uses x instead of *. Should be: result = 10 * 2
Question 2
A sum_val = 7 + 3
B difference = 15 - 5
C print(sum)
Line C — Line 3 prints sum instead of sum_val. Should be: print(sum_val)
Question 3
A answer = 20 / 4
B total = 5 + 10
C product = 6 * 2
D print(anser)
Line D — Line 4 has a misspelling: anser should be answer
Question 4
A a = 5
B b = 3
C result = a + b
D difference = 10 - 4
E print(reslt)
Line E — Line 5 misspells result as reslt
Question 5
A total = 10 + 5
B product = 6 * 3
C quotient = 15 / 0
D print(quotient)
Line C — Line 3 divides by zero, which causes an error
For Teachers

Create a free class, add this module to a journey, and track who's stuck.

Create a free teacher account →

No credit card. No setup fee. Make a class and invite students in under three minutes.

For Students

Practice this topic interactively, track progress, and unlock badges.

Start Learning Free →

Have a class code?