remainder() to get remainder one number with respect to another in Python

remainder(x , y) Return remainder of x with respect to y.

remainder(n)

Example

import math
print(math.remainder(12,7)) # -2.0
print(math.remainder(12,5)) #  2.0

import math
print(math.remainder(13,7))  # -1.0

Using for loop

for i in range (1,15):
    print("math.remainder(13,{:2d})".format(i),math.remainder(13,i))

Output

math.remainder(13, 1) 0.0
math.remainder(13, 2) 1.0
math.remainder(13, 3) 1.0
math.remainder(13, 4) 1.0
math.remainder(13, 5) -2.0
math.remainder(13, 6) 1.0
math.remainder(13, 7) -1.0
math.remainder(13, 8) -3.0
math.remainder(13, 9) 4.0
math.remainder(13,10) 3.0
math.remainder(13,11) 2.0
math.remainder(13,12) 1.0
math.remainder(13,13) 0.0
math.remainder(13,14) -1.0

Example 1: Comparison between Modulus and Remainder
Description: The % operator always gives a non-negative remainder, whereas math.remainder() can return negative results depending on which value is closer to zero.

import math
# Modulus operation
print(12 % 7)  # Output: 5, because modulus returns positive remainder

# Remainder using math.remainder
print(math.remainder(12, 7))  # Output: -2.0, because it returns the remainder closest to zero

Example 2: Use Case: Angle Calculation in Range [-180, 180]
Description: math.remainder() is useful for angle normalization, ensuring values stay within a desired range.

import math
angle = 370  # Large angle value in degrees
adjusted_angle = math.remainder(angle, 360)
print(f"Adjusted angle: {adjusted_angle}°")  # Output: 10.0°

Output

Adjusted angle: 10.0°

Example 3: Use Case: Periodic Time Calculation
Description: Useful for handling cycles, such as time or periodic events, by calculating the remainder of time elapsed.

import math
hours_passed = 50
cycle = 24  # 24-hour clock
corrected_time = math.remainder(hours_passed, cycle)
print(f"Corrected time: {corrected_time}")  # Output: 2.0

Explanation:

math.remainder(): It returns the value closest to zero, so the remainder can be negative.
Modulus Operator (%): It always returns a non-negative result.

Math Functions Floor() & Ceil() Python- Tutorials

Subhendu Mohapatra

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