Math

Numbers are everywhere in programming.

Programs use numbers to:

Count points
Measure temperature
Control LEDs
Move servos
Measure distance
Create random events

The Math category gives your program the ability to calculate, compare, transform, and control values.

Think of Math as the calculator inside your robot.

What Is Math?

Math blocks allow a program to work with numbers.

Examples:

5 + 3 = 8

10 - 2 = 8

4 × 2 = 8

16 ÷ 2 = 8

Math helps programs transform numbers into useful information.

Think of Math as the calculator inside your project.

Math Category

[INSERT CATEGORY IMAGE HERE: Math]

Figure 4.1 – Blocks available in the Math category.

The category can be organized into:

NUMBERS

↓

CALCULATE

↓

RANDOM

↓

LIMIT

↓

MAP

Math Block Quick Reference

Block	Purpose	Main Idea
Number	Create a value	Starting number
Add (+)	Add values	Bigger number
Subtract (-)	Take away	Smaller number
Multiply (×)	Scale values	Repeat groups
Divide (÷)	Split values	Share equally
Random Integer	Random whole number	Surprise value
Random Decimal	Random decimal value	More precise randomness
Round	Simplify decimals	Cleaner number
Max	Largest value	Biggest wins
Min	Smallest value	Smallest wins
Constrain	Set limits	Stay in range
Map	Change ranges	Scale values
Convert to Integer	Remove decimals	Whole number
Constants	π and e	Special math values
Variable Math	Change stored values	Counters and scores

Numbers

Everything starts with a number.

Examples:

100

Numbers can be connected to almost every category.

Examples:

Number → Math

Number → Logic

Number → Variables

Number → Servo

Number → Sensor Threshold

Basic Calculations

[INSERT BLOCK IMAGE HERE: Arithmetic Operations]

The most important Math blocks are:

Operation	Example
Add	5 + 3
Subtract	10 - 2
Multiply	4 × 2
Divide	12 ÷ 3

Concept

Number

↓

Result

Example

Temperature

↓

New Temperature

Updating Values

[INSERT BLOCK IMAGE HERE: Variable Math]

Sometimes a value changes over time.

Example:

score += 1

Meaning:

Current Score

↓

New Score

Useful for:

Counters

Scores

Timers

Tracking events

Random Numbers

[INSERT BLOCK IMAGE HERE: Random Integer]

Programs can create random values.

Possible results:

Uses

Games

Random challenges

Simulations

Surprise effects

Rounding Numbers

[INSERT BLOCK IMAGE HERE: Round]

Sometimes numbers have many decimal places.

Example:

4.83

↓

Round

↓

round(4.83)

Maximum and Minimum

Programs often compare values.

Maximum

max(10,20)

Result:

Minimum

min(10,20)

Result:

Easy Memory Tip

MAX = Largest

MIN = Smallest

Constrain

[INSERT BLOCK IMAGE HERE: Constrain]

Constrain keeps values inside limits.

Example:

Range:

0 → 100

Value:

120

Result:

100

Concept

Value

↓

Limit

↓

Allowed Value

Constrain sets boundaries.

Map

[INSERT BLOCK IMAGE HERE: Map]

Map converts a value from one range into another.

Example

Sensor Range:

0 → 100

Servo Range:

0 → 180

Concept

Old Range

↓

Map

↓

New Range

math_map(50,1,100,1,180)

Map changes scale.

Math and Sensors

Math becomes powerful when combined with sensors.

Example:

Temperature Sensor

↓

Reading

↓

Math

↓

Display

Another example:

Distance Sensor

↓

Map

↓

Servo Position

Math and Logic

Math and Logic often work together.

Math:

5 + 3

↓

Logic:

8 > 5

↓

TRUE

Programs often follow:

Sensor

↓

Math

↓

Logic

↓

Action

Soccer Score Counter

Concept:

Goal

↓

Score + 1

↓

LCD

Skills:

Variables

Addition

Counting

Temperature Converter

Concept:

Temperature Sensor

↓

Math

↓

New Value

↓

LCD

Skills:

Sensors

Arithmetic

Displays

LED Brightness Controller

Concept:

Sensor

↓

Map

↓

LED Brightness

Skills:

Mapping

Sensor Values

Outputs

Distance Controlled Servo

Concept:

Ultrasonic Sensor

↓

Distance

↓

Map

↓

Servo Position

Skills:

Sensors

Mapping

Servos

Quick Guide for Students

Need a calculation?

Use:

+ - × ÷

Need a random value?

Use:

Random

Need a clean whole number?

Use:

Round

Need the largest value?

Use:

Max

Need the smallest value?

Use:

Min

Need limits?

Use:

Constrain

Need to convert one range into another?

Use:

Map

Quick Reference

Family	Main Idea
Number	Create a value
Arithmetic	Calculate
Variable Math	Update values
Random	Generate values
Round	Simplify numbers
Max	Largest value
Min	Smallest value
Constrain	Keep values within limits
Map	Change ranges

Summary

In this lesson, you learned how Math helps programs work with numbers.

You explored:

Numbers

Addition

Subtraction

Multiplication

Division

Variables

Random Numbers

Rounding

Maximum and Minimum

Constrain

Map

Math helps transform raw numbers into useful information that can control displays, sensors, motors, LEDs, and robots.

Key Takeaway

Math is the calculator inside your program. It helps turn numbers into useful information that can control sensors, displays, LEDs, servos, and entire robotics projects.