Is it possible to define two methods in a Rails model that require different initialization? -

hi i'm attempting create model in rails can perform 2 calculations. code:

class calculator   def initialize(nair, cppy, interest_rate, payment, periods)     @nair = nair.to_f / 100     @cppy = cppy.to_f      @interest_rate = interest_rate     @payment = payment     @periods = periods         end    def effective     refinance::annuities.effective_interest_rate(@nair, @cppy)             end    def principal     refinance::annuities.principal(@interest_rate, @payment, @periods)   end end 

i have 2 forms reside in different views take input user including 'nair' , 'cppy' on 1 , 'interest_rate', 'payment' , 'periods' on other.

the problem i've run use model 5 arguments need available.

do need have separate models each calculation?

i'm complete beginning sorry if there obvious answer.

thanks!

there's dozen different ways solve this, 1 possible approach use default arguments in initialize method.

class calculator   def initialize(nair=0, cppy=0, interest_rate=0, payment=0, periods=0)     @nair = nair.to_f / 100     @cppy = cppy.to_f      @interest_rate = interest_rate     @payment = payment     @periods = periods         end    def effective     refinance::annuities.effective_interest_rate(@nair, @cppy)             end    def principal     refinance::annuities.principal(@interest_rate, @payment, @periods)   end end 

another possible solution make them class methods , not deal instances or state:

class calculator   def self.effective(nair, cppy)     nair = nair.to_f / 100     cppy = cppy.to_f      refinance::annuities.effective_interest_rate(nair, cppy)   end    def self.principal(interest_rate, payment, periods)     refinance::annuities.principal(interest_rate, payment, periods)   end end  calculator.effective(x, y) calculator.principal(x, y, z)