NXT: Meeting Your Algebra Needs

Recently in algebra, I learned about matrices and how to solve equations with them. One of the excerices I had to do was write a computer program that would solve two equations with two variables in the form ax + by = c (where a, b, and c are constants) using matrices. The user would input the 6 constants (a, b, and c for both equations), and the program had to solve the equation and give the x and y values.

My brother had done this last year with his game programing software. Not wanting to be outdone, I put together a program over thanksgiving break that succesfully solves the equations. Using the NXT buttons, a user inputs the 6 constants, whereupon the NXT instantly displays the x and y values (unless the equations were inconsistent or dependent, of course).

It's really neat - especially because I now have an excuse to have my NXT during schooltime! ;)

You can download the main program here, and a zip file with the needed My Blocks here (you'll need to put the My Blocks in the Mindstorms folder for My Blocks).

Here's a picture of inputting the constants (the 6th one is currently being input).

And here's a picture of the solution set (x and y).

-Jonathan

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Ghostbusters R.T.V Remix

Nino Guba is from Torrance, California, USA. He played with LEGO as a kid, but growing up in the Philippines, it wasn’t something he had easy access to. He only got reintroduced to LEGO when he moved to the US and had kids of his own. When his sons were younger, they received LEGO sets as gifts, but as they grew older, the sets got put into storage as their interest faded. Fast forward a few years, he started coming up with his own product ideas and thought about how he could quickly prototype them. That’s when he discovered LEGO MINDSTORMS—and was hooked! He raided his kids’ old collection, got everything organized, and now he's designing and building his own creations, blending his coding skills with LEGO robotics to bring ideas to life. Tell us about your Ghostbusters Remote Trap Vehicle (R.T.V) project. This project is a LEGO Technic adaptation of the Ghostbusters R.T.V.—a ghost trap converted into a remote-controlled vehicle. Its companion build is a prop replica of the Futaba...

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