How do you make a fully functional calculator?

Question

I understand you can make a calculator multiple ways. Most of the instances I see are similar to below...

#include <iostream>
using namespace std;

int main() {

float a;
float b;
cout<<"first number: ";
cin>>a;
cout<<a<<endl;
cout<<"second number: ";
cin>>b;
cout<<b<<endl<<endl;

float sum=a+b;
float multiply=a*b;
float divide=a/b;
float minus=a-b;

cout<<"+: "<<sum<<endl;
cout<<"x: "<<multiply<<endl;
cout<<"/: "<<divide<<endl;
cout<<"-: "<<minus<<endl;

return 0;
}

However I would like there to be a prompt like so...
"Enter a number"
"Enter an operator (+, -, *, /)"
"Enter another number"
"Answer"

I cannot find a way to make the operator an input on its own. Like how you would use a normal calculator. I'm very new to C++. Any help would be greatly appreciated.

Answer 1

Hello.
You can do this by using the switch case command or the conditional if statement.
Create a new input variable as an operator. This variable is a string type. Then, when the user selects the operator, that internal operator of the switch command is checked and the corresponding line is executed.
Example:
string o;

swtich (o)
{
case "+":
a + b;
break;

case "-":
a-b;
break;

case "×":
a × b;
break;

case "/":
a / b;
break;

}

Answer 2

Jacob the easiest and fastest way is infact using switch case and yes you can enter as you pointed out

first number operator second number submit

https://code.sololearn.com/c9p3ZAD1W8en/?ref=app

Answer 3

Thank you both. Those are very helpful explanations :)

Answer 4

Using switch case in your program u can make your code in less lines .