What does the '/' operator do in Python?

In Python, the '/' operator is used to perform division between two numbers. Importantly, this operator always returns a float, regardless of whether the operands are integers or floats. For instance, if you divide two integers, such as 5 and 2, the operation results in 2.5, which is a float, not an integer.

This characteristic of the '/' operator sets it apart from other division operators in Python, such as the '//' operator, which is the floor division operator. The floor division operator performs division and returns the largest integer less than or equal to the result, effectively discarding the decimal portion. However, the '/' operator consistently ensures that the output is a float, which allows for a more precise representation of the result of a division operation.

In contrast, alternatives mentioned in the choices do not accurately reflect the functionality of the '/' operator:

• The option stating that it divides and always results in an integer misrepresents the behavior of the operator.

• The option about subtraction is unrelated to the '/' operator's function.

• Lastly, the option regarding finding modulus pertains to the '%' operator, which computes the remainder of a division operation.

Therefore, the correct understanding of the '/' operator in Python is that it always performs