Python Math Module Review Questions – Key Concepts & Functions Explained

Master Python's math module with these comprehensive review questions covering constants, rounding, trigonometric functions, logarithms, and numerical checks like isfinite(), isinf(), and more. Ideal for coding exams and interviews.

🔍 Review Questions

1. What is the purpose of the `math` module in Python?

Answer
The `math` module provides access to mathematical functions defined by the C standard.
📘 Related Topics:
• Python Math Module

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2. How do you import the `math` module in Python?

Answer
You can import the `math` module using `import math`.
📘 Related Topics:
• Python Math Module

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3. What is the difference between `math.floor()` and `math.ceil()`?

Answer
`math.floor()` returns the largest integer less than or equal to the number, while `math.ceil()` returns the smallest integer greater than or equal to the number.
📘 Related Topics:
• Floor and Ceil Functions

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4. What values do `math.pi` and `math.e` represent?

Answer
`math.pi` represents the value of π (approximately 3.14159) and `math.e` represents Euler’s number (approximately 2.71828).
📘 Related Topics:
• Constants in Math Module

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5. What is the output of `print(math.tau)`?

Answer
It prints the value of τ (tau), which is 2π or approximately 6.28318.
📘 Related Topics:
• Constants in Math Module

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6. What does `math.pow(x, y)` return, and how is it different from `x ** y`?

Answer
`math.pow(x, y)` returns x raised to the power y as a float, while `x ** y` may return an int if both x and y are integers.
📘 Related Topics:
• Power and Logarithmic Functions

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7. How do you compute the square root of a number using the `math` module?

Answer
Use `math.sqrt(x)` to compute the square root of x.
📘 Related Topics:
• Square Root

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8. What is the difference between `math.log(x)` and `math.log10(x)`?

Answer
`math.log(x)` returns the natural logarithm (base e) of x, while `math.log10(x)` returns the base-10 logarithm of x.
📘 Related Topics:
• Logarithmic Functions

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9. What is the output of `math.exp(2)`?

Answer
It returns e raised to the power 2, approximately 7.389.
📘 Related Topics:
• Exponential Function

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10. What is the output of `math.sin(math.pi / 2)`?

Answer
It returns 1.0.
📘 Related Topics:
• Trigonometric Functions

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11. Which function would you use to convert radians to degrees?

Answer
Use `math.degrees(x)` to convert radians to degrees.
📘 Related Topics:
• Angular Conversion

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12. How do you convert 180 degrees to radians using the `math` module?

Answer
Use `math.radians(180)`, which returns π radians.
📘 Related Topics:
• Angular Conversion

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13. What does `math.fabs(x)` do?

Answer
It returns the absolute value of x as a float.
📘 Related Topics:
• Special Functions

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14. When would you use `math.factorial(x)`?

Answer
When you need the factorial of a non-negative integer x.
📘 Related Topics:
• Special Functions

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15. What’s the result of `math.isqrt(10)`?

Answer
It returns the integer square root of 10, which is 3.
📘 Related Topics:
• Special Functions

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16. What does `math.isfinite(x)` check for?

Answer
It checks whether x is neither infinite nor NaN.
📘 Related Topics:
• Python Math Module - isinf() vs isfinite() Explained

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17. How is `math.isnan(x)` different from `math.isinf(x)`?

Answer
`math.isnan(x)` checks if x is NaN, while `math.isinf(x)` checks if x is positive or negative infinity.
📘 Related Topics:
• Python Math Module - isinf() vs isfinite() Explained

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18. Write a Python function that returns the ceiling, floor, and rounded value of a float using the `math` module.

Answer
Use `math.ceil(x)`, `math.floor(x)`, and `round(x)` respectively.
📘 Related Topics:
• Rounding Functions

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19. What will happen if you pass a negative number to `math.sqrt()`? How can you handle it?

Answer
It raises a `ValueError`. You can handle it using a `try-except` block or use the `cmath` module for complex results.
📘 Related Topics:
• Square Root Function

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20. Identify and correct the error in the following code: `math.sqrt(-16)`

Answer
The code raises a `ValueError` because the square root of a negative number is not defined in the real domain. Use `cmath.sqrt(-16)` instead.
📘 Related Topics:
• Square Root Function

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