10.11. Mathematics

| Chapter 10: Physics: Substances, Ropes, Energy and Weight |

| 10.11. Mathematics

It is uncommon, but not absolutely unheard-of, to need to do detailed mathematical calculations in interactive fiction.

The Fibonacci Sequence demonstrates the calculation of a series of numbers; Sieve of Eratosthenes shows off how to calculate the prime numbers within a certain range.

Number Study demonstrates conditional relations between numbers.

424
| Example The Fibonacci Sequence The modest Leonardo Fibonacci of Pisa will be only too happy to construct his sequence on request, using an array. |
WI

427
| Example Sieve of Eratosthenes The haughty Eratosthenes of Cyrene will nevertheless consent to sieve prime numbers on request. |
WI

240
| Example Number Study The parity and joint magnitude relations explored. |
WI

This is the same case given above, but expanded just slightly to demonstrate that the names of the relations can also be printed, if we like: "Number Study" Abstraction is a room. Parity relates a number (called N) to a number (called M) when N minus M is even. Joint magnitude relates a number (called N) to a number (called M) when N plus M is greater than 7. To chart (R - a relation of numbers): repeat with N running from 1 to 5: repeat with M running from 1 to 5: if R relates N to M, say "[N] <=> [M] by [R][line break]"; When play begins: let L be { parity relation, joint magnitude relation }; repeat with R running through L: chart R. As this shows, we can even form lists of relations. The kind of L is "list of relations of numbers".

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