C++ Operators

Operators are symbols that tell C++ to perform an operation.

For example, you can use operators to:

• Add two numbers
• Subtract numbers
• Compare values
• Check conditions
• Assign values to variables

Let’s look at the most commonly used operators in C++.

Arithmetic Operators

Arithmetic operators are used for mathematical calculations.

Example

#include <iostream>
using namespace std;

int main() {
    int a = 10;
    int b = 3;

    cout << "Addition: " << a + b << "\n";
    cout << "Subtraction: " << a - b << "\n";
    cout << "Multiplication: " << a * b << "\n";
    cout << "Division: " << a / b << "\n";
    cout << "Remainder: " << a % b;

    return 0;
}

Output:

Addition: 13
Subtraction: 7
Multiplication: 30
Division: 3
Remainder: 1

Notice that 10 / 3 gives 3, not 3.33. This happens because both values are integers.

If you want a decimal result, use a decimal value:

double result = 10.0 / 3;

Assignment Operator

The assignment operator = is used to assign a value to a variable.

int age = 14;

Here, 14 is assigned to age.

You can also change the value:

int age = 14;

age = 15;

Now age contains 15.

Comparison Operators

Comparison operators are used to compare two values.

These operators produce either true or false.

For example:

#include <iostream>
using namespace std;

int main() {
    int age = 14;

    cout << (age > 10);

    return 0;
}

Output:

1

1 means true.

We will use comparison operators more often when we learn if-else statements.

Logical Operators

Logical operators are used to combine or reverse conditions.

AND &&

Both conditions must be true.

int age = 14;

cout << (age > 10 && age < 18);

Both conditions are true, so the result is true.

OR ||

At least one condition must be true.

int age = 20;

cout << (age < 18 || age > 18);

The second condition is true, so the result is true.

NOT !

The NOT operator reverses a value.

bool passed = true;

cout << !passed;

Output:

0

Because true becomes false.

Increment and Decrement Operators

The increment operator ++ increases a value by 1.

int number = 5;

number++;

cout << number;

Output:

6

The decrement operator -- decreases a value by 1.

int number = 5;

number--;

cout << number;

Output:

4

These operators are commonly used with loops.

Compound Assignment Operators

C++ also provides shorter ways to perform calculations and assign the result.

Example:

#include <iostream>
using namespace std;

int main() {
    int number = 10;

    number += 5;

    cout << number;

    return 0;
}

Output:

15

A Simple Calculator Example

Let’s use operators to create a basic calculator.

#include <iostream>
using namespace std;

int main() {
    int a = 20;
    int b = 5;

    cout << "Addition: " << a + b << "\n";
    cout << "Subtraction: " << a - b << "\n";
    cout << "Multiplication: " << a * b << "\n";
    cout << "Division: " << a / b;

    return 0;
}

Output:

Addition: 25
Subtraction: 15
Multiplication: 100
Division: 4

Key Points to Remember

• Operators are used to perform operations in C++.
• Arithmetic operators perform calculations.
• = assigns a value to a variable.
• Comparison operators compare values.
• Logical operators work with conditions.
• ++ increases a value by 1.
• -- decreases a value by 1.
• Compound assignment operators provide shorter ways to update values.

Mini Quiz

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C++ PROGRAMMING - QUIZ 5

1 / 5

Q1. Which operator is used to find the remainder after division?

+

/

%

*

2 / 5

Q2. Which operator is used to compare whether two values are equal?

=

==

!=

>=

3 / 5

Q3. What does the && operator require for the result to be true?

At least one condition must be true

Both conditions must be true

Both conditions must be false

It reverses the condition

4 / 5

Q4. What is the result of the following code?

int number = 5;
number++;
cout << number;

4

5

6

10

5 / 5

Q5. What is the same as x += 5?

x = x - 5

x = x + 5

x = x * 5

x = x / 5

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#include <iostream>
using namespace std;

int main() {
    double price1 = 250;
    double price2 = 300;
    double price3 = 150;

    int quantity1 = 2;
    int quantity2 = 1;
    int quantity3 = 3;

    double cost1 = price1 * quantity1;
    double cost2 = price2 * quantity2;
    double cost3 = price3 * quantity3;

    double total = cost1 + cost2 + cost3;

    total -= 100;

    cout << "Item 1 Cost: " << cost1 << "\n";
    cout << "Item 2 Cost: " << cost2 << "\n";
    cout << "Item 3 Cost: " << cost3 << "\n";
    cout << "Final Bill: " << total << "\n";
    cout << "Bill Greater Than 1000: " << (total > 1000);

    return 0;
}

What’s Next?

In the next chapter, we will learn C++ Conditional Statements and see how a program can make decisions using if, else, and switch.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Written by Shubhranshu Shekhar, who has trained 20000+ students in coding.

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