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.