What is the purpose of the modulus operator? Provide an example of when it can be used and the value that would be returned.
The modulus operator, denoted by the symbol "%", is a mathematical operation in programming that returns the remainder of a division between two numbers.
The purpose of the modulus operator is primarily used for tasks such as checking divisibility, calculating periodicity or cycling, and generating alternate sequences.
Here's an example to illustrate the use of the modulus operator:
Let's say we want to find the remainder when 10 is divided by 3. We can use the modulus operator as follows:
10 % 3
The above expression will return the value 1 because 10 divided by 3 equals 3 with a remainder of 1. Therefore, the modulus operator in this case returns the remainder of the division, which is 1.