Round a real value toward negative infinity.
What You Will Learn
floor(-3.2) is -4; truncation toward zero has different behavior for negative inputs.
For floating-point results, remember that stored values are approximations. Rounding a displayed value does not change the exact value used by later calculations.
Step-by-Step Example
The example below makes the behavior visible with small input values that you can change safely.
import math
print(math.floor(-3.2))How the Example Works
- The imports provide the standard-library tools used in the demonstration: math.
- The print() calls make the return values or state visible so you can compare them with the explanation and check your prediction.
For the chosen input, the expression math.floor(-3.2) prints -4. Floor rounds toward negative infinity, which is different from truncating toward zero on negative values.
Expected output from the example:
-4Another Example: Compare the Results
Try a second input and compare it with the first. Notice whether the result changes in type, value, order, or number of items.
import math
print(math.floor(3.99), math.floor(-3.01))Expected output:
3 -4When You Would Use This
This operation can support measurements, numeric reports, simulations, or input validation. Choose integer operations when exact integer answers are required, and check floating-point rounding when displaying measured values. Validate units and input domains before using the result in a calculation.
Practice: Modify the Code
Count complete lower-bound intervals from measurements.
Verify the changed output against the behavior described above, including the relevant invalid or boundary case.
For complete parameters and version details, consult the official Python documentation.
Common Beginner Mistakes
- Confusing floor() with int() when handling negative fractions.
- Skipping invalid or boundary inputs when adapting a numeric function to real user data.
Key Takeaways
- Round a real value toward negative infinity.
- floor(-3.2) is -4; truncation toward zero has different behavior for negative inputs.
- Apply this operation only after checking the assumptions and input conditions shown in the example.