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.
Release 2.5.2, documentation updated on 21st February, 2008.
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