- #1
manjuvenamma
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Is there a better/different way of indicating the order of operations in a mathematical expression - other than using parentheses?
Order of operations - parenetheses
- Thread starter manjuvenamma
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In summary, the conversation discusses the use of parentheses in mathematical expressions and whether there is a better way to indicate the order of operations. The topic of prefix and postfix notation is brought up as an alternative, with the speaker reminiscing about learning about different types of brackets and their order of precedence. The main question is whether there is a more efficient way to indicate the order of operations.
- #2
Number Nine
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Why? What's wrong with parentheses?
- #3
Mute
Homework Helper
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Whether it's better or not is up for debate, but
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Polish_notation and
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Reverse_Polish_notation
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Polish_notation and
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Reverse_Polish_notation
- #4
eumyang
Homework Helper
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Ah, prefix and postfix notation. I remember when I took an intro to programming class as an undergrad, I had to write a program that converted from prefix/postfix to infix, in Pascal. That was fun. 
- #5
manjuvenamma
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Number Nine! Nothing wrong with brackets. Just curiosity. When I studied OOO when I was kid 40 years ago, I studied different types of brackets and their order of precedence. Now, no one uses all these types of brackets, just ordinary brackets with nesting as needed.
Just curiosity to know if there is an alternate and better way.
Just curiosity to know if there is an alternate and better way.
What is the purpose of parentheses in the order of operations?
The purpose of parentheses in the order of operations is to indicate which operations should be performed first. They are used to group numbers and operations together in an expression to make it clear which operations should be performed together.
What is the correct order of operations when parentheses are involved?
The correct order of operations when parentheses are involved is to first solve the operations inside the parentheses, starting from the innermost set of parentheses and working outwards. Then, perform any multiplication or division from left to right, followed by addition or subtraction from left to right.
What happens if parentheses are not used in an expression?
If parentheses are not used in an expression, the order of operations is still followed, but it may lead to a different result. For example, without parentheses, multiplication and division are performed from left to right before addition and subtraction, which can change the outcome of the expression.
Do parentheses always have to be used in the order of operations?
No, parentheses do not always have to be used in the order of operations. They are only necessary when there is a need to group operations together or to clarify the order in which operations should be performed. If there is no need for grouping or clarification, parentheses can be omitted.
Can parentheses be used more than once in an expression?
Yes, parentheses can be used more than once in an expression. In fact, it is common to see multiple sets of parentheses in an expression as they are used to indicate different levels of priority in the order of operations. It is important to follow the correct order when solving multiple sets of parentheses, starting from the innermost set and working outwards.
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