Notes

Detailed Notes on Useful Math Functions in C++

In this video, the instructor explains several useful math-related functions in C++, most of which are available in the cmath library. Hereโ€™s a breakdown of the concepts, examples, and explanations for each function mentioned:

1. max() Function

  • Purpose: Returns the larger of two values.

  • Syntax:

    std::max(value1, value2);
     
  • Example:

    double x = 3, y = 4, z;
    z = std::max(x, y); // z will be 4
    std::cout << z; // Outputs: 4
     
  • Explanation: The max() function compares two values and returns the greater one. In this case, it compares 3 and 4 and returns 4.

2. min() Function

  • Purpose: Returns the smaller of two values.

  • Syntax:

    std::min(value1, value2);
     
  • Example:

    double x = 3, y = 4, z;
    z = std::min(x, y); // z will be 3
    std::cout << z; // Outputs: 3
     
  • Explanation: The min() function compares two values and returns the smaller one. In this case, it compares 3 and 4 and returns 3.

3. pow() Function (Power)

  • Purpose: Raises a number (base) to a specified power (exponent).

  • Syntax:

    std::pow(base, exponent);
     
  • Example:

    double z;
    z = std::pow(2, 3); // 2 raised to the power of 3 is 8
    std::cout << z; // Outputs: 8
     
  • Explanation: The pow() function takes two arguments: the base and the exponent. It returns the base raised to the power of the exponent. For example, pow(2, 3) calculates 2^3 = 8.

4. sqrt() Function (Square Root)

  • Purpose: Returns the square root of a number.

  • Syntax:

    std::sqrt(value);
     
  • Example:

    double z;
    z = std::sqrt(9); // The square root of 9 is 3
    std::cout << z; // Outputs: 3
     
  • Explanation: The sqrt() function returns the square root of the given number. In this example, it computes the square root of 9, which is 3.

5. abs() Function (Absolute Value)

  • Purpose: Returns the absolute (non-negative) value of a number.

  • Syntax:

    std::abs(value);
     
  • Example:

    double z;
    z = std::abs(-3); // The absolute value of -3 is 3
    std::cout << z; // Outputs: 3
     
  • Explanation: The abs() function takes a number (which could be negative) and returns its absolute value, i.e., the distance of that number from zero. For example, abs(-3) returns 3.

6. round() Function

  • Purpose: Rounds a floating-point number to the nearest integer.

  • Syntax:

    std::round(value);
     
  • Example:

    double x = 3.14, z;
    z = std::round(x); // Rounds 3.14 to 3
    std::cout << z; // Outputs: 3
     
  • Explanation: The round() function rounds a floating-point number to the nearest integer. For example, round(3.14) rounds to 3, while round(3.5) would round to 4.

7. ceil() Function (Ceiling)

  • Purpose: Rounds a floating-point number up to the nearest integer.

  • Syntax:

    std::ceil(value);
     
  • Example:

    double x = 3.14, z;
    z = std::ceil(x); // Rounds 3.14 up to 4
    std::cout << z; // Outputs: 4
     
  • Explanation: The ceil() function always rounds up, no matter the decimal. For instance, ceil(3.14) returns 4.

8. floor() Function (Floor)

  • Purpose: Rounds a floating-point number down to the nearest integer.

  • Syntax:

    std::floor(value);
     
  • Example:

    double x = 3.99, z;
    z = std::floor(x); // Rounds 3.99 down to 3
    std::cout << z; // Outputs: 3
     
  • Explanation: The floor() function always rounds down, regardless of the decimal value. For example, floor(3.99) returns 3.

Additional Information:

  • cmath Header: To use these functions, you need to include the cmath header at the beginning of your C++ program:

    #include <cmath>
     

Conclusion:

These 8 math functions are essential tools for performing basic mathematical operations in C++ programs. They can be used in a variety of applications, such as computing powers, square roots, absolute values, rounding numbers, and handling integer comparisons. Additionally, C++ offers a wide array of other mathematical functions for more complex operations, which can be explored in the C++ documentation for further learning.


References