JavaScript Numbers : Working with Numeric Data

In this comprehensive guide, we’ll dive deep into JavaScript numbers, covering everything from basic data types to advanced mathematical operations, and provide real-world examples to help you master this crucial aspect of JavaScript programming.

JavaScript Numeric Data Types

JavaScript provides two main types for representing numbers:

1. Integers: Whole numbers, both positive and negative, without a fractional or decimal component. Example: 42, -17, 0.
2. Floats: Numbers with fractional or decimal parts. Example: 3.14, -0.01, 2.5.

JavaScript uses the number data type to encompass both integers and floats.

Basic Arithmetic Operations

JavaScript supports a wide range of basic arithmetic operations on numbers:

• Addition (+): 5 + 3 equals 8.
• Subtraction (-): 10 - 4 equals 6.
• Multiplication (*): 2 * 6 equals 12.
• Division (/): 15 / 3 equals 5.
• Modulus (%): 17 % 4 equals 1 (remainder).
• Exponentiation ()**: 2 ** 3 equals 8.

NaN (Not-a-Number)

JavaScript uses NaN to represent the result of an undefined or unrepresentable mathematical operation. For example, dividing zero by zero (0 / 0) results in NaN.

Infinity and -Infinity

JavaScript represents positive infinity as Infinity and negative infinity as -Infinity. These values can result from mathematical operations, such as dividing a nonzero number by zero (5 / 0 results in Infinity).

Real-World Examples

Let’s explore some real-world examples to illustrate the use of JavaScript numbers:

Example 1: Calculating Total Sales

const productPrice = 25.99;
const quantitySold = 50;
const totalSales = productPrice * quantitySold;
console.log(`Total sales: $${totalSales.toFixed(2)}`);
// Output: Total sales: $1299.50

function isEven(number) {
  return number % 2 === 0;
}
console.log(isEven(4)); // Output: true
console.log(isEven(7)); // Output: false

const userInput = 'abc';
const parsedNumber = parseFloat(userInput);
if (isNaN(parsedNumber)) {
  console.log('Invalid input: Not a number');
} else {
  console.log(`Parsed number: ${parsedNumber}`);
}