Reverse Polish Notation for Dummies
noun
What does Reverse Polish Notation really mean?
Reverse Polish Notation (RPN) is a way of writing mathematical expressions that helps us perform calculations more efficiently. It is like a special language that helps us communicate with the computer or calculator, telling them exactly what we want them to do.
Now, let's think about how we usually write mathematical expressions. When we write 2 + 3, we are using what is called infix notation. We put the numbers and operators in between each other. In reverse, when we write 3 - 2, the numbers come first and then the operator, and that is called prefix notation. But, in RPN, we write it differently. We write 2 3 +, with the operator coming after the numbers, and that is called postfix notation. It's like writing a shopping list where you first write down the items and then mark them as bought.
Now, let me give you an analogy so it becomes even clearer. Imagine you have a calculator with only a few buttons: numbers, operators, and the equal sign. In infix notation, you need to press the equal sign to get the solution, but in RPN, you just enter the numbers and operators, and the solution pops up right away, without you having to press the equal sign. This is because RPN uses a stack, which is like a pile of numbers, to keep track of the calculations.
Let's take a simple example to understand it better. If we want to calculate 2 + 3 using RPN, we would type 2, then 3, and then the + sign. The calculator will see the numbers in the stack, and when it encounters the + sign, it knows it needs to take the top two numbers from the stack and add them. So, it takes 2 and 3 from the stack, adds them, which gives 5, and puts the result back into the stack. Voila! The stack now only has the result, 5, and that's our solution.
So, you see, RPN is a notation method that uses postfix notation, where operators come after the numbers, and it allows us to perform calculations efficiently by using a stack to keep track of the numbers and operators. It's like having a conversation with the calculator, where we tell it what to do step by step.
Now, let's think about how we usually write mathematical expressions. When we write 2 + 3, we are using what is called infix notation. We put the numbers and operators in between each other. In reverse, when we write 3 - 2, the numbers come first and then the operator, and that is called prefix notation. But, in RPN, we write it differently. We write 2 3 +, with the operator coming after the numbers, and that is called postfix notation. It's like writing a shopping list where you first write down the items and then mark them as bought.
Now, let me give you an analogy so it becomes even clearer. Imagine you have a calculator with only a few buttons: numbers, operators, and the equal sign. In infix notation, you need to press the equal sign to get the solution, but in RPN, you just enter the numbers and operators, and the solution pops up right away, without you having to press the equal sign. This is because RPN uses a stack, which is like a pile of numbers, to keep track of the calculations.
Let's take a simple example to understand it better. If we want to calculate 2 + 3 using RPN, we would type 2, then 3, and then the + sign. The calculator will see the numbers in the stack, and when it encounters the + sign, it knows it needs to take the top two numbers from the stack and add them. So, it takes 2 and 3 from the stack, adds them, which gives 5, and puts the result back into the stack. Voila! The stack now only has the result, 5, and that's our solution.
So, you see, RPN is a notation method that uses postfix notation, where operators come after the numbers, and it allows us to perform calculations efficiently by using a stack to keep track of the numbers and operators. It's like having a conversation with the calculator, where we tell it what to do step by step.
Revised and Fact checked by Olivia White on 2023-10-29 17:38:05
Reverse Polish Notation In a sentece
Learn how to use Reverse Polish Notation inside a sentece
- To calculate the sum of two numbers in reverse Polish notation, you would write: '3 4 +'. This means you first write the first number, then the second number, and finally the symbol '+' which tells you to add them together.
- If you want to subtract one number from another, you use reverse Polish notation. For example, if you want to subtract 5 from 7, you write: '7 5 -'. This means you first write the first number, then the second number, and finally the symbol '-' which tells you to subtract the second number from the first one.
- Let's say you want to multiply two numbers using reverse Polish notation. If you want to multiply 2 by 6, you write: '2 6 *'. This means you first write the first number, then the second number, and finally the symbol '*' which tells you to multiply them together.
- To divide one number by another in reverse Polish notation, you use a forward slash symbol '/'. For instance, if you want to divide 8 by 4, you write: '8 4 /'. This means you first write the first number, then the second number, and finally the symbol '/' which tells you to divide the first number by the second one.
- Reverse Polish notation can also be used for more complex calculations. For example, if you want to calculate the square root of a number, let's say 9, you write: '9 sqrt'. This means you write the number first and then the function 'sqrt' which tells you to find the square root of the number.
Reverse Polish Notation Synonyms
Words that can be interchanged for the original word in the same context.
Reverse Polish Notation Hypernyms
Words that are more generic than the original word.