Session and utilities
The bc command
Arbitrary-precision calculator. Unlike the shell, it handles decimals without losing precision.
Syntax
echo 'expresión' | bcMost useful options
-lLoads the math library (decimals and functions)Copy-ready examples
$ echo '2+2' | bcSimple addition$ echo '1/3' | bc -lDivision with decimalsYou can try them in the browser terminal: it does not touch your computer.
Typical mistakes
- Without -l, bc works with integers and 1/3 gives 0.
FAQ
How do I get many decimals?
With scale: echo 'scale=4; 1/3' | bc.
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