5.1 Arithmetic conversions
When a description of an arithmetic operator below uses the phrase ``the numeric arguments are converted to a common type,'' the arguments are coerced using the coercion rules listed at 3.4.8. If both arguments are standard numeric types, the following coercions are applied:
- If either argument is a complex number, the other is converted to complex;
- otherwise, if either argument is a floating point number, the other is converted to floating point;
- otherwise, if either argument is a long integer, the other is converted to long integer;
- otherwise, both must be plain integers and no conversion is necessary.
Some additional rules apply for certain operators (e.g., a string left argument to the `%' operator). Extensions can define their own coercions.
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Release 2.5, documentation updated on 19th September, 2006.