Math function, or Arithmetic Operator?

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#1

Hi,

So I’m wondering which I should use, there are Arithmetic Operators that do the exact same as a existing math function, so im wondering whether or not to use it?

-- Division (Remainder)

x  = 11
y  = 5

f1 = math.fmod(x, y) --> 1
f2 = (x % y)         --> 1

-- There is a math function known as 'fmod' which returns the remainder
-- There is an Arithmetic Operator known as 'Modulo' which returns the remainder

-- Exponent

x = 10
y = 2

p1 = math.pow(x, y) --> 100
p2 = (x^y)          --> 100

-- There is a math function known as 'pow' which returns x^y (x to the power of y)
-- There is a Arithmetic Operator known as 'Exponent' which returns x^y
#2

I try to just use operators when I can, but in some cases it’s better to use math functions.

#3

It’s all about personal preference, however the majority of people tend to use arithmetic operators due to the fact they are a lot easier to look at. Take for example, finding the remainder of x to the power y. One solution would look like such:

local answer = math.fmod(math.pow(x, y), z)

This is pretty bulky, however the other solution local answer = (x^y) % z is a lot easier to read.

There is no difference in performance as they both operate on the same code.

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