Microsoft Small Basic

The Math Object

Estimated time to complete this lesson: 1 hour

The Math Object

In this lesson, you will learn how to:
Use different properties of the Math object. Use different operations of the Math object.

The Math Object

Do complex mathematical calculations boggle your mind at times? Dont worry! The Math object offers many mathematical functions that you can use in your programs.

This object includes the following operations and properties: Abs Cos ArcSin GetRandomNumber Floor Sin GetDegrees SquareRoot Log Remainder Min Pi

Operations of the Math Object

Lets learn about some operations of the Math object by writing a simple program.

In this example, you get the sine and the cosine of an angle that you specify by using the Sin and Cos operations of the Math object. You can also get the angle in radians from the sine value by using the ArcSin operation. Next, you can convert the angle from radians to degrees with the GetDegrees operation.

The Pi Property
The value of pi is an important aspect of some mathematical calculations. You can retrieve the value of pi in your calculations by using the Pi property of the Math object.

Lets use this property to calculate the area of the circle.

In this example, you retrieve the value of pi by using the Pi property of the Math object. Then you use that value in the formula to get the area of the circle.

The Abs Operation

Abs is another useful operation that the Math object provides. Lets check it out.
By using the Abs operation, you can get the absolute value of the given number. For example, if you subtract a number from a smaller number, the result will be a negative numeral.

In this example, you subtract two numbers. Even if the first number is smaller than the second, the Abs operation returns a positive number.

The Floor Operation

While you create your Small Basic program, how can you get the integer value of a decimal number? The Floor operation was created to give an integer value that is smaller than or equal to a decimal number that you specify.

Lets see how you can use this operation in a program to calculate a students average grade.

In this example, you enter the grades that a student earned in six subjects. Then, you use the Floor operation to get the students average as an integer value.

The Log Operation

Wen you perform complex calculations, you often need the logarithmic value (base 10) of a particular number. The Math object in Small Basic offers the Log operation to get the log value of the specified number.

In this example, you use the Log operation to get the log value of 22.3.

The GetRandomNumber Operation

Now, lets discuss the GetRandomNumber operation of the Math object. You can use this operation to get a random number between 1 and the maximum number that you specify. Lets use this operation in a program. In this program, you draw the * shape on the graphics window in different sizes and at different locations. You first set the height, width, and background color of the graphics window. Then you use set the font size by using the GetRandomNumber operation. The font size will be between 1 and 30 because you have specified 30 as the parameter for the GetRandomNumber operation. You also use this operation to randomly set the asterisks x-coordinates and ycoordinates.

The Min Operation

The Math object also provides the Min operation, which you can use to compare two numbers and identify the smaller number of the two.
Lets apply this operation in a program.

In this example, you request two numbers from the user, use the Min operation to compare them, and display the smaller number in the text window. You also ensure that, if the user specifies the same number twice, the statement Both numbers are the same appears.

The SquareRoot Operation

By using the SquareRoot operation of the Math object, you can get the square root of a number that you specify.

In this example, you specify a number and use the SquareRoot operation to get its square root.

The Remainder Operation

You can get the remainder in a division problem by using the Remainder operation of the Math object.

In this program, you want to verify whether a specified number is even or odd. You use the If condition to verify whether the number is even (that is, whether the remainder is 0 when you divide the number by 2). If the remainder is 1, the number is odd. To check the remainder, you use the Remainder operation of the Math object.

Lets Summarize

Congratulations! Now you know how to:

Use different properties of the Math object. Use different operations of the Math object.

Show What You Know

By using the GetRandomNumber operation, write a program to move and rotate a rectangle in a random manner. Write a program to draw circles of different sizes in the graphics window. Set the size of the circle by using its area, and randomize the x-coordinates and y-coordinates of the circle.