Glossary
Math class
A built-in Java class that provides a collection of static methods for performing common mathematical operations.
Example:
To calculate the square root of 16, you would use Math.sqrt(16), demonstrating how the Math class provides ready-to-use functions.
Math.abs()
A static method in the Math class that returns the absolute value of a number, meaning its non-negative distance from zero.
Example:
If a game character moves 5 units left (-5) or 5 units right (5), Math.abs(-5) and Math.abs(5) both return 5, showing the magnitude of movement regardless of direction, thanks to Math.abs().
Math.pow()
A static method in the Math class that returns the value of the first argument raised to the power of the second argument.
Example:
To calculate the area of a square with side length s, you might use Math.pow(s, 2) to get s squared, illustrating how Math.pow() handles exponents.
Math.random()
A static method in the Math class that returns a pseudo-random double value greater than or equal to 0.0 and less than 1.0.
Example:
To simulate a coin flip, you could check if Math.random() < 0.5 for 'heads', demonstrating how Math.random() provides a basis for random events.
Math.sqrt()
A static method in the Math class that returns the positive square root of a double value.
Example:
Finding the length of the hypotenuse in a right triangle with legs of 3 and 4 would involve Math.sqrt(Math.pow(3, 2) + Math.pow(4, 2)), where Math.sqrt() calculates the final root.
Random number generation in a range
The process of using `Math.random()` to produce a random integer within a specified inclusive lower bound and exclusive upper bound.
Example:
To simulate rolling a standard six-sided die, you would use (int)(Math.random() * 6) + 1, which is an example of random number generation in a range from 1 to 6.
static
A keyword in Java indicating that a method or variable belongs to the class itself, rather than to any specific object of that class.
Example:
Because Math.abs() is a static method, you call it directly on the Math class (e.g., Math.abs(-10)) without needing to create a new Math() object first.