Operators: Math Superpowers!
How Operators Work in Code
How Do Video Games Use Math Operators Behind the Scenes?
Games run on Math Operators constantly — every time you collect, take damage, or share loot, one of four symbols runs a calculation.
Addition
performs Addition — coins increase by 15 every time you pick them up
coins = coins + 15Subtraction
performs Subtraction — health drops by 30 each time an enemy hits you
health = health - 30Multiplication
performs Multiplication — a power-up doubles damage by multiplying it by 4
damage = damage * 4Division
performs Division — loot splits between four players when treasure is divided by 6
share = treasure / 6What Symbols Do Computers Use for Math Instead of × and ÷?
Computers use symbols to do calculations — most match what you already know from math class, with two differences.
- performs Addition and adds things together
- performs Subtraction and takes things away
- performs Multiplication and is used instead of × to multiply
- performs Division and is used instead of ÷ to divide
What Do Comparison Operators Return When They Ask Questions?
Comparison Operators help the computer ask questions and produce either true or false as the answer.
Equals
means Equals — returns true when two values are the same
4 === 4Not Equals
means Not Equals — returns true when two values are different
3 !== 2Greater Than
means Greater Than — checks if the left number is larger
6 > 2 is trueLess Than
means Less Than — checks if the left number is smaller
2 < 9 is trueGreater or Equal
means Greater or Equal — returns true when the left value matches or exceeds the right
7 >= 7Less or Equal
means Less or Equal — returns true when the left value matches or falls below the right
2 <= 8How Do Comparisons Make Decisions That Change the Game?
Comparisons let the computer make decisions by checking if a condition answers true or false.
health triggers game over when health <= 10 returns true
points trigger level up when points >= 100 returns true
keys enable opening a door when keys > 0 returns true
coins are compared with price — coins >= price must return true before the player can buy an item