Step-by-Step: Basic Mathematics in Grasshopper

1.   Start Rhino; maximize the Top view; type Grasshopper at the Command prompt.
2.   In Grasshopper, choose File > New Document.
3.   Double-click anywhere in the Grasshopper canvas to search for the Number Slider component.
4.   Insert a Number Slider into the Canvas.

basic_mathematics_slider
5.   Double-click on the label of the Slider component to edit its properties.
6.   Under Numeric Domain, set the “Max” value to 100.

basic_mathematics_slider_properties
7.   Click OK.
8.   Single-click on the Slider and copy it to the Clipboard (ctrl-C).
9.   Paste the Slider (ctrl-V).

basic_mathematics_slider_copied
10.   Arrange the two Sliders vertically.

basic_mathematics_slider_aligned
11.   Double-click anywhere in the Grasshopper canvas to search for the Addition component.

basic_mathematics_search_addition
12.   Insert the Addition component into the Canvas.

basic_mathematics_slider_addition
13.   Repeat the previous two steps with the Subtraction, Multiplication, and Division components.

basic_mathematics_slider_all_operations
14.   Connect the first Slider to the “A” inputs of the components. Notice that the Slider automatically updates its label to “A”.

basic_mathematics_slider_A
15.   Repeat the previous step with the second Slider and the “B” inputs.

basic_mathematics_slider_A+B
16.   Double-click anywhere in the Grasshopper canvas to search for the Panel component.
17.   Insert a Panel into the Canvas.

basic_mathematics_slider_one_panel
18.   Single-click on the Panel and copy it to the Clipboard (ctrl-C).
19.   Paste the Panel three times (ctrl-V).
20.   Arrange the four panels vertically.

basic_mathematics_slider_all_panels
21.   Connect the “R” (result) outputs from the Addition, Subtraction, Multiplication, and Division components to the inputs on the panels.

basic_mathematics_slider_connected
22.   The Grasshopper definition is complete. Experiment with adjusting the two sliders and observe the results.

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