VB2019 VB2017 VB2015 VB2013 VB2012 VB2010 VB2008 VB6 VB Sample Code 中文VB About Us

Lesson 7 : Mathematical Operations


Computer can perform mathematical calculations much faster than human beings do. However, computer itself will not be able to perform any mathematical calculations without receiving instructions from the user. In Visual Basic 2012, we can write code to instruct the computer to perform mathematical calculations such as addition, subtraction, multiplication, division and other kinds of arithmetic operations. In order for Visual Basic 2012 to carry out arithmetic calculations, we need to write code that involve the use of various arithmetic operators. The Visual Basic 2012 arithmetic operators are very similar to the normal arithmetic operators, only with slight variations. The plus and minus operators are the same while the multiplication operator use the * symbol and the division operator use the / symbol.

The list of Visual Basic 2012 arithmetic operators are shown in table 7.1 below:

Table 7.1 Arithmetic Operators
Operator Mathematical Function Example
+ Addition  1+2=3
-  Subtraction  10-4=6
^  Exponential  3^2=9
*  Multiplication  5*6=30
/  Division  21/7=3
Mod  Modulus(returns the remainder of an integer division)  15 Mod 4=3
\  Integer Division(discards the decimal places)  19/4=4

Example 7.1

In this program, you need to insert two Textboxes, four labels and one button. Click the button and enter the code as shown below. When you run the program, it will perform the four basic arithmetic operations and displays the results on the four labels.

Private Sub Button1_Click(ByVal sender As System.Object, ByVal e As System.EventArgs) Handles Button1.Click
	Dim num1, num2, difference, product, quotient As Single
	num1 = TextBox1.Text
	num2 = TextBox2.Text	
	sum=num1+num2
	difference=num1-num2
	product = num1 * num2
	quotient=num1/num2
	Label1.Text=sum
	Label2.Text=difference
	Label3.Text = product
	Label4.Text = quotient
End Sub

Example 7.2

The program can use Pythagoras Theorem to calculate the length of hypotenuse c given the length of the adjacent side a and the opposite side b. In case you have forgotten the formula for the Pythagoras Theorem, it is written as

c^2=a^2+b^2
Private Sub Button1_Click(ByVal sender As System.Object, ByVal e As System.EventArgs) Handles Button1.Click
	Dim a, b, c  As Single
	a = TextBox1.Text
	b = TextBox2.Text
	c=(a^2+b^2)^(1/2)
	Label3.Text=c
End Sub

Example 7.3: BMI Calculator

A lot of people are obese now and it could affect their health seriously . Obesity has proven by the medical experts to be a one of the main factors that brings many adverse medical problems, including the the cardiovascular disease. If your BMI is more than 30, you are considered obese. You can refer to the following range of BMI values for your weight status.

Underweight = <18.5

Normal weight = 18.5-24.9

Overweight = 25-29.9

Obesity = BMI of 30 or greater

In order to calculate your BMI, you do not have to consult your doctor, you can just use a calculator or a home made computer program, this is exactly what I am showing you here. The BMI calculator is a Visual Basic program that can calculate the body mass index, or BMI of a person based on the body weight in kilogram and the body height in meter. BMI can be calculated using the formula weight/( height )^2, where weight is measured in kg and height in meter. If you only know your weight and height in lb and feet, then you need to convert them to the metric system (you could indeed write a VB program for the conversion).

Private Sub Button1_Click(ByVal sender As System.Object, ByVal e As System.EventArsgs) Handles Button1.Click
	Dim height, weight, bmi As Single
	height = TextBox1.Text
	weight = TextBox2.Text
	bmi = (weight) / (height ^ 2)
	Label4.Text = bmi
End Sub

The output is shown in the figure below. In this example, your height is 1.80m( about 5 foot 11),your weight is 75 kg( about 168Ib), and your BMI is about 23.14815. The reading suggests that you are healthy. (Note; 1 foot=0.3048, 1 lb=.45359237 kilogram)

Visual Basic 2012 BMI Calculator
Figure 7.1 The BMI Calculator

From the above examples, you can see that writing code that involve arithmetic operations is relatively easy. Here are more arithmetic projects you can try to create the relevant VB programs:

Area of a triangle
Area of a rectangle
Area of a circle
Volume of a cylinder
Volume of a cone
Volume of a sphere
Compound interest
Future value
Mean
Variance
Sum of angles in polygons
Conversion of lb to kg
Conversion of Fahrenheit to Celsius



Copyright©2008 Dr.Liew Voon Kiong. All rights reserved |Contact|Privacy Policy