Stupid Math Question

Some times the simplest math turns out to be the stupidest math in Maya. Here's my problem. I need an equation that takes one value and subtracts it from 90.

float $newValue = (90-$someValue.rotateZ);

Except, that doesn't work. I've tried all kinds of variations of this.

float $newValue;
$newValue=90-$someValue.rotateZ;

Doesn't work. I've tried separating out everything with (). Nope.

I've even tried

$newValue=abs($someValue.rotateZ-90);

Again, Doesn't work. Plus, that's still wrong anyway!
I've also tried

int $ninty = 90;
float $newValue;
$newValue = $ninty - $someValue.rotateZ;

The only thing that works is

$newValue = $someValue.rotateZ - 90;

But who cares, that's a different value than I need. I need the value subtracted from 90, so that I can use that value to drive the other main expression. It's burning my freakin' brain!
Does anyone know how to subtract the rotation of one object from 90 to get a usable result? This should be working, but isn't. Of all the stupid things!!

The end result is supposed to work like what I imagine this would.

$gearRemain = 90 - landingGearLf.rotateZ;
landingGearRt.rotateZ=landingGearLf.rotateZ+$gearRemain;

Real simple. Doesn't work.

Thanks in advance for your help.


Adam Benson
Visual Effects Artist/Musician/Sound Engineer/Editor
http://www.SleepDeprivedProductions.com
http://www.SleepDeprivedFilms.com