Postfix Expressions (Reverse Polish Notation)
Postfix expressions are also known as Reverse Polish Notation (RPN), are a mathematical notation where the operator follows its operands. This differs from the more common infix notation, where the operator is placed between its operands.
In postfix notation, operands are written first, followed by the operator. For example, the infix expression “5 + 2” would be written as “5 2 +” in postfix notation.
Evaluating postfix expressions can be useful in certain scenarios, such as when dealing with expressions that have a large number of nested parentheses or when using a stack-based programming language.
Infix, Postfix and Prefix Expressions/Notations
Mathematical formulas often involve complex expressions that require a clear understanding of the order of operations. To represent these expressions, we use different notations, each with its own advantages and disadvantages. In this article, we will explore three common expression notations: infix, prefix, and postfix.
Table of Content
- Infix Expressions
- Advantages of Infix Expressions
- Disadvantages Infix Expressions
- Prefix Expressions (Polish Notation)
- Advantages of Prefix Expressions
- Disadvantages of Prefix Expressions
- Postfix Expressions (Reverse Polish Notation)
- Advantages of Postfix Notation
- Disadvantages of Postfix Expressions
- Comparison of Infix, Prefix and Postfix Expressions
- Frequently Asked Questions on Infix, Postfix and Prefix Expressions