Week 4: Arithmetic operators

Programs do calculations with arithmetic operators. You use + to add, - to subtract, * to multiply, / to divide and % to get the remainder. A single = assigns a value to a name, so it is also an operator you will type often. These symbols are short, which makes them look easy, but each sits in a different place on the keyboard and deserves careful attention.

What you will learn

This week introduces six symbols. On the US English layout:

• + is Shift plus the = key. Press Shift with the opposite pinky and the = key with your right pinky.
• - is the minus key, pressed with your right pinky.
• * is Shift plus the 8 key. Press Shift with the opposite pinky and the 8 key with your right middle finger.
• / is the slash key, pressed with your right pinky.
• = is the equals key, pressed with your right pinky.
• % is Shift plus the 5 key. Press Shift with the opposite pinky and the 5 key with your left index finger.

Use them in short expressions such as 10 % 3, which equals 1. This week you practice this kind of expression until each symbol feels familiar.

Technique tips

• Keep the move from number to operator short. Practice 10 % 3, 2 + 3 and 8 / 4 until each sequence feels like one motion.
• Leave a space on each side of an operator, such as 2 + 3, so you can see the structure of what you wrote.
• Keep your wrist still when you reach for / and =, and move only the finger.
• Have your Shift finger ready before you press the number key for +, * or %.
• If you type the wrong operator, finish the line first and then correct it.

Lessons

1. Learn (10–15 minutes): Watch the keyboard demo for all six symbols, then type each one a few times.
2. Practice (10–15 minutes): Type short expressions such as 10 % 3, 2 + 3 and 8 / 4 again and again.
3. Review (10–15 minutes): Take the two-minute test and focus on choosing the right operator.

This week’s goal

Your targets are 14 WPM and 91% accuracy. Finishing the week earns one star. Reaching 91% accuracy earns two stars, and reaching the speed target as well earns three. Operators are short, but one wrong symbol can change a whole result, so aim for accuracy first.