Using the math module's functions and constants

Python's math module is built in; therefore, it is always available for import. The mathematical functions contained within it are defined by the C standard, so if something doesn't work, blame the C developers.

Complex numbers are handled by a separate module (cmath), so the math module can only be used with integers and floating point numbers. This was done on purpose, as dealing with complex numbers requires more effort than most people need for general functions. Unless otherwise indicated, all math arguments can be integers or floats.

How to do it...

1. The ceil(x) function returns the smallest integer >= x. Normal mathematical rounding is not used, so 12.3 will be rounded up to 13, rather than rounding up starting at 12.5; any value greater than x.0 will be rounded up to the next value, as shown in the following screenshot:

2. The copysign(x, y) function returns a float value with an absolute value of x but with the sign of y. If the OS supports...