Boolean values in an equation?

[Recoil]

I feel like an idiot because I cannot figure this simple task out. When I run the equation through my program it works because the or is toggled by radio buttons, I just cannot get it to work on paper because I do not know what the symbol is to show an "either/or" result. I do not need a solution to the equation, just what I need that shows an either/or in an equation:

...(valueX * (valueY or valueZ)) + (valueA * n)...

Also, I am not sure if this would be considered algebra help. Sorry if this is in the wrong place.

 

[mmm4444bot]

I think that you could write two equations; use ValueY in one equation and ValueZ in the other.

But, really, if you're saying that one may use either ValueY or ValueZ, then just pick one.

 

[Recoil]

@mmm4444bot - I need to show both options for use in 1 equation.

@JeffM - the entire equation is quite lengthy. It is used for a calculator I am making that requires preset values. The equation works in my program as I have tested it thoroughly, and it is much easier to just check for a Boolean value there. However, I just did not know how to properly demonstrate an either or value, and because I'm an idiot was thinking it had something to do with sub-numbers.

But from what I gather:

(valX * (val1, val2)) + (valY + n) = result

This is essentially stating that valX is multiplied by val1 or val2, but just one and not both? In other words, one or the other is true to finish multiplying with? That is where I am stuck at when it comes to writing this stuff down, as I have to demonstrate and verify how my calculator determines the results. Currently it works, just not on paper. You probably aren't misunderstanding my question, I probably am not explaining it well enough because I'm not sure what it is I am looking for.

 

[mmm4444bot]

I need to show both options [by writing only] 1 equation.

Okay. I have never seen a convention for doing this without writing separate cases or setting up a piecewise function (both of which require two or more statements of equality).

Who told you that you're confined to one statement of equality and that your convention of writing "(ValueY or ValueZ)" is unacceptable?