Solve Math Problems

Arithmetic operators are useful for doing calculations in your program.  In this activity, we’ll focus on the basics:

• assignment (=)
• addition (+)
• subtraction (–)
• multiplication (*)
• division (/)
• modulus (%, the remainder of a division calculation)

Example script: simple_math

The example script simple_math uses the addition operator (+) to add the variables a and b together. The assignment operator (=) is used to store the result in the variable c.    It also displays the result on the micro:bit.

• Enter, name, save, and flash the script simple_math to your micro:bit, then watch the display.

#simple_math

from microbit import *

a = 89
b = 42
c = a + b

display.scroll("a + b = ")
display.scroll(c)

Your Turn – Experiment with Other Arithmetic Operators

You still have –, *, / and % to try out!

• In the script simple_math replace the addition (+) operator with the subtraction (–) operator. Be sure to replace both instances of + in the program.
• Save and  re-flash the program to the micro:bit.
• Verify the result on the display.
• Repeat for the multiplication (*), division (/) and modulus (%) operators.