Python pow() built-in function

From the Python 3 documentation

The pow() function returns the power of a number.It takes two or three arguments: pow(base, exp): Returns base raised to the power of exp (base ** exp). pow(base, exp, mod): Returns (base ** exp) % mod (for modular arithmetic). Result is computed more efficiently than base ** exp % mod, if mod arg is present.

Introduction

The pow() function is used for exponentiation. It can take two or three arguments.

  • pow(base, exp): This is equivalent to base ** exp.
  • pow(base, exp, mod): This is equivalent to (base ** exp) % mod, but is more efficient. This is useful for modular arithmetic.

Examples

# Using two arguments (base ** exp)
print(pow(2, 3))
print(pow(3, 2))
print(pow(2, -3))  # equivalent to 1 / (2**3)

# Using three arguments ((base ** exp) % mod)
print(pow(3, 2, 4))  # since 3**2 is 9, and 9 % 4 is 1
print(pow(2, 3, 5))  # since 2**3 is 8, and 8 % 5 is 3

8
9
0.125
1
3