How are arithmetic operators used in programming?

Arithmetic operators are utilized in programming to conduct mathematical operations, such as addition, subtraction, multiplication, and division. They enable programmers to manipulate numerical data effectively, allowing for calculations and the processing of quantitative information. For instance, when you want to calculate the total price of items in a shopping cart, you would use arithmetic operators to sum the prices. This functionality is fundamental in programming, especially in applications involving calculations, statistics, and data analysis.

The other options focus on different functionalities in programming. Defining data types pertains to specifying whether a variable holds a numerical, textual, or other forms of data, while assigning values to variables involves setting an initial value to a variable for later reference. Creating temporary tables is specific to database management, where such tables are used to hold data temporarily during database operations. Hence, the answer emphasizes the primary role of arithmetic operators in executing mathematical tasks, distinguishing them from these other programming functions.