Why does 1/len(list) return 0?

Question

lets say I have a list a and a variable b = 1/len(a) but when I display the value of b it gives me 0

Are you using Python 2? In Python 2 you need to specify float division, try `b = 1./len(a)` — Vinícius Figueiredo, Jun 30 '17 at 01:20
Because integer 1 divided by any number larger than zero has a fractional part, and you're doing integer division where fractional parts are discarded. — Ken White, Jun 30 '17 at 01:22

score 2 · Answer 1 · answered Jun 30 '17 at 01:21

2

Because of integer divided by integer.

Try b=1.0/len(a)

answered Jun 30 '17 at 01:21

Jerry Chou

Thank you that did the trick ;) – ECQuant Jun 30 '17 at 01:24
2

Then you aren't using Python 3. – Ned Batchelder Jun 30 '17 at 01:35
Can confirm, only `//` integer division will yield the problem from OP – Luke Jun 30 '17 at 03:43

1 Answers1