How to do a math equation in c Programming

Hello,

This is my first post so if i break a rule i am really sorry.

So this is the equation

50 * s + 40(200-s) <= 9059

I need to solve for s and i know how to do it on paper but in c programming using code::blocks i am completely lost.

any help with be appreciated.

Thank you.

I don't think there is a standard method beyond applying the logic you can see by looking at the equation.

In this case, s certainly includes all negative numbers, so use a loop like:

Code:

---

int result = 0, s = 1;
while (result <= 9059) {
    result = [your equation with s];
    s++;
}
s--;

---

Will give you the upper bounds of set s.

If you want to create a generic method where you can write a string like: 50 * s + 40(200-s) = 9059
and get the computer to solve the equation it's not going to be trivial to do. You need to create a parser to break down the equation, and make the calculation according to precedence rules in math and equations.
Have a look at recursive decent parsers in wiki: Recursive descent parser - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

There might be other ways to solve it however.

It's the Chicken and Steak Dinner Problem - come home to roost! < ROFL! > Man, I can NOT get away from this thing.

First thing, you need to assign variable names - short but descriptive variable names, to the parts that are making up this equation.

You don't have to worry about the < because you'll round down by integer division, and take care of that part, so consider it just as = for now.

Put up a program (yes CODE!), with your variable names, for numGuests, chickens, steak, chickcost, steakcost, budget, etc. in it, and I'll check back with you in a few hours.

It doesn't need to compile, but you need to show some work on this, not just post the problem on forums.

This is a set problem, so you don't need a descent parser. Just decent variable names will be fine.

He can't use loops on this program, only math. S is the number of steak dinners, so it will never be a negative number, and yes, there is a very standard method for solving it.

I know how to program, i have taken other programming classes. The problem is the equation i figured it out and i am unsure how to put it into the code without using a loop. I was not looking for an exact answer but help on what i can do.

Thank you,

Code:

---

#include <stdio.h>

int main()
{
    //This is the commmon space for my variables
    int chickencost = 0;
    int steakcost = 0;
    int guests = 0;
    int budget = 0;
   


    printf("What is the cost of the chicken, in dollars?\n");
    scanf("%d", &chickencost);

    printf("What is the cost of the steak, in dollars?\n");
    scanf("%d", &steakcost);

    printf("How many guests will there be?\n");
    scanf("%d", &guests);

    printf("What is your spending limit for food, in dollars?\n");
    scanf("%d", &budget);
}

---

I believe it's called "using weighted variables", in arithmetic. I've seen the "simple" equation for it, but it's VERY unintuitive, to my mind. I greatly prefer the algebraic format of the problem:

In this example, not the different budget value.

Code:

---

Let x = number of steak dinners possible

Express chicken dinners in terms of the streak dinners:
50x + 40(200-x) = 9,000

Distribute the 40 across the quantity (200-x)
50x + 8000 -40x = 9,000

Combine the x terms:
10x + 8000 = 9,000

Subtract the 8,000 from both sides of the equation:
10x = 1,000

And divide by 10:
x = 100
       
steak dinners  = 100
chicken dinners = 100
       
100 * 50 = 5,000
100 * 40 = 4,000
================
200      $9,000

Could we squeeze in just one more steak dinner?

101 * 50 = 5050
 99 * 40 = 3960
===============
200      $9,010 (nope, over budget)

---

I used code tags for the above because it won't line up otherwise.

So your code would use logic like:

math equals =, not assignment:

stkcost * stkdinners + chkcost (guests - stkdinners) = budget

chkcost * guests = minimum possible to spend (all chicken dinners) //getting there :p

900 - (chkcost * guests) = amount left for steak dinner expense

stkcost - chkcost = extra expense per dinner for steak


Here's your code equation:

stkdinners = (budget - chkcost(guests))/(stkcost-chkcost)


maximum steak dinners, while still meeting budget restraint
chkdinners = guests - stkdinners

Give that a shot.

Thank you very much everyone for your input and help, this was very helpful and i have a better understanding of how to solve equations in the future.

Once again thank you.