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.