PHP provides nearly fifty functions that can perform various mathematical functions. Combined with mathematical operators, they can make your homework a lot easier!
The simplest math functions are those that only require a single parameter. This parameter is usually a number, which is accepted either as a variable or a string. The ceil() function, for example, will return a number rounded up to the nearest full number.
<?php
$num = 55;
echo ceil($num);
// Result Will Be: 55
$result = ceil(295.34);
echo $result;
// Result Will Be: 296
?>
As you can see, the results of these functions can be echoed, stored in a variable, etc.
Some math functions accept multiple parameters. The rand() function, for example, generates a random number in between the two numbers that it is given. Multiple parameter are separated by commas.
<?php
echo rand(0, 500);
// Result Is: 189
?>
If you refresh the page, you will see the above result change each time to a random number between 0 and 500.
Below is a list of almost twenty useful math functions, along with a brief description and required parameters.
| Function(Parameters) | Description |
|---|---|
| rand(min_number, max_number) | Returns a Random Integer |
| ceil(number) | Returns the Value of a Number Rounded Upwards to the Nearest Integer |
| floor(number) | Returns the Value of a Number Rounded Downwards to the Nearest Integer |
| abs(number) | Returns the Absolute Value of a Number |
| base_convert(number) | Converts a Number From One Base to Another |
| bindec(binary_number) | Converts a Binary Number to a Decimal Number |
| decbin(decimal_number) | Converts a Decimal Number to a Binary Number |
| dechex(decimal_number) | Converts a Decimal Number to a Hexadecimal Number |
| decoct(decimal_number) | Converts a Decimal Number to an Octal Number |
| fmod(number, divisor) | Returns the Remainder (Modulo) of the Division of the Arguments |
| hexdec(hex_number) | Converts a Hexadecimal Number to a Decimal Number |
| is_finite(number) | Returns True if a Value is a Finite Number |
| is_infinite(number) | Returns True if a Value is an Infinite Number |
| is_nan(value_to_check) | Returns True if a Value is Not a Number |
| max(number1, number2) | Returns the Number With the Highest Value of Two Specified Numbers |
| min(number1, number2) | Returns the Number With the Lowest Value of Two Specified Numbers |
| pi() | Returns the Value of PI |
| pow(x, y) | Returns the Value of "x" to the Power of "y" |
| round(number, optional) | Rounds a Number to the Nearest Integer (Number of Digits After Decimal Point Optional) |
| sqrt(number) | Returns the Square Root of a Number |
A complete list of the math functions available can be found in the official PHP manual. Each function includes examples that will help you understand how to use it.