C++ Program to Add Two Distances (in inch-feet) System Using Structures

Introduction

Working with distances in C++ requires careful manipulation of units. When the distances are represented in feet and inches, maintaining accuracy and proper conversion between these units becomes crucial. Utilizing structures in C++ provides a systematic way to handle such data by grouping feet and inches into a single unit.

In this article, you will learn how to create a C++ program to add two distances, each expressed in inches and feet. Examine how structures facilitate the management of this data, ensuring that the program is both maintainable and extensible.

Defining a Structure for Distances

Create the Distance Structure

1. Define a structure named Distance that includes two members: feet as an integer and inches as a float.

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   struct Distance {
       int feet;
       float inches;
   };
   

   Explain Code

   Here, Distance acts as a custom data type to store distances with two separate components which are feet and inches.

Initialize Distance Variables

1. Declare two variables of type Distance to store the distances you want to add.

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   Distance dist1, dist2;
   

   Explain Code

   These variables, dist1 and dist2, will be used to input the two distances from the user and store them in terms of feet and inches.

Writing a Function to Add Distances

Implementing Add Distances Function

1. Create a function addDistances which takes two parameters of type Distance and returns a Distance.

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   Distance addDistances(Distance d1, Distance d2) {
       Distance sum;
       sum.inches = d1.inches + d2.inches;
       sum.feet = d1.feet + d2.feet + (int)(sum.inches / 12);
       sum.inches = fmod(sum.inches, 12);
       return sum;
   }
   

   Explain Code

   This function logically adds feet and inches from two Distance objects. It correctly handles the overflow of inches into feet using integral division and the modulo operation to separate inches.

Displaying the Result

Creating a function to display distance

1. Implement a function printDistance that takes a Distance object and outputs the distance in feet and inches.

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   void printDistance(Distance d) {
       cout << d.feet << " feet " << d.inches << " inches" << endl;
   }
   

   Explain Code

   printDistance aids in the formal presentation of the distance in a clear and readable format.

Putting it All Together

1. Use both addDistances and printDistance functions within the main function to display the result.

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   #include <iostream>
   #include <cmath> // For fmod()
   
   using namespace std;
   
   // Structure definition and function declarations...
   
   int main() {
       Distance dist1, dist2, result;
   
       // Assuming user inputs or predefined values
       dist1.feet = 5;
       dist1.inches = 8.5;
       dist2.feet = 3;
       dist2.inches = 11.2;
   
       result = addDistances(dist1, dist2);
       cout << "Total distance is: ";
       printDistance(result);
   
       return 0;
   }
   

   Explain Code

   Ensure that the structure definitions and functions are correctly included and verify that feet and inches are properly formatted and presented.

Conclusion

Learning to add distances using structures in C++ not only organizes the data effectively but also maintains clear separation of logic and presentation within the code. The presented techniques of managing feet and inch calculations can be adapted for other similar types of applications in C++. With structures providing clear data grouping, managing more complex data becomes streamlined, empowering you to maintain and extend your C++ applications efficiently.