Python pow()

The pow() function returns the power of a number.

The syntax of pow() is:

pow(x, y, z)

1. pow() Parameters

The pow() function takes three parameters:

• x – a number, the base
• y – a number, the exponent
• z (optional) – a number, used for modulus

Hence,

• pow(x, y) is equal to xy
• pow(x, y, z) is equal to xy % z

2. Example 1: Python pow()

# positive x, positive y (x**y)
print(pow(2, 2))    # 4

# negative x, positive y
print(pow(-2, 2))    # 4  

# positive x, negative y
print(pow(2, -2))    # 0.25

# negative x, negative y
print(pow(-2, -2))    # 0.25

Output

4
4
0.25
0.25

3. Example 2: pow() with three arguments (x**y) % z

x = 7
y = 2
z = 5

print(pow(x, y, z))    # 4

Output

4

Here, 7 powered by 2 equals 49. Then, 49 modulus 5 equals 4.