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Polish Notations

The document explains three equivalent notations for writing arithmetic expressions: infix, prefix, and postfix. Infix notation places operators between operands, while prefix and postfix notations place operators before and after operands, respectively. It also discusses operator precedence and associativity, which determine the order of evaluation in expressions.

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2 views2 pages

Polish Notations

The document explains three equivalent notations for writing arithmetic expressions: infix, prefix, and postfix. Infix notation places operators between operands, while prefix and postfix notations place operators before and after operands, respectively. It also discusses operator precedence and associativity, which determine the order of evaluation in expressions.

Uploaded by

rajesh.mistry.ready
Copyright
© All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
Available Formats
Download as DOCX, PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd

Data Structure - Expression Parsing

The way to write arithmetic expression is known as a notation. An arithmetic


expression can be written in three different but equivalent notations, i.e., without
changing the essence or output of an expression. These notations are −

 Infix Notation
 Prefix (Polish) Notation
 Postfix (Reverse-Polish) Notation

Infix Notation
We write expression in infix notation, e.g. a - b + c, where operators are used in-
between operands. It is easy for us humans to read, write, and speak in infix
notation but the same does not go well with computing devices. An algorithm to
process infix notation could be difficult and costly in terms of time and space
consumption.

Prefix Notation
In this notation, operator is prefixed to operands, i.e. operator is written ahead of
operands. For example, +ab. This is equivalent to its infix notation a + b. Prefix
notation is also known as Polish Notation.

Postfix Notation
This notation style is known as Reversed Polish Notation. In this notation style,
the operator is postfixed to the operands i.e., the operator is written after the
operands. For example, ab+. This is equivalent to its infix notation a + b.

The following table briefly tries to show the difference in all three notations −

[Link]. Infix Notation Prefix Notation Postfix Notation

1 a+b +ab ab+

2 (a + b) ∗ c ∗+abc ab+c∗

3 a ∗ (b + c) ∗a+bc abc+∗

4 a/b+c/d +/ab/cd ab/cd/+

5 (a + b) ∗ (c + d) ∗+ab+cd ab+cd+∗

6 ((a + b) ∗ c) - d -∗+abcd ab+c∗d-


Precedence and associativity determines the order of evaluation of an expression.
Following is an operator precedence and associativity table (highest to lowest) −

[Link]. Operator Precedence Associativity

1 Exponentiation ^ Highest Right Associative

2 Multiplication ( ∗ ) & Division ( / ) Second Highest Left Associative

3 Addition ( + ) & Subtraction ( − ) Lowest Left Associative

The above table shows the default behavior of operators. At any point of time in
expression evaluation, the order can be altered by using parenthesis. For example
−
In a + b*c, the expression part b*c will be evaluated first, with multiplication as
precedence over addition. We here use parenthesis for a + b to be evaluated first,
like (a + b)*c.

Highest: Exponentiation (^)


Next highest: Multiplication (*) and division (/)
Lowest: Addition (+) and Subtraction (-)
For example –
Infix notation: (A-B)*[C/(D+E)+F]
Post-fix notation: AB- CDE +/F +*

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