Python Math: Parse math formulas and put parentheses around multiplication and division

Last update on April 24 2025 12:44:18 (UTC/GMT +8 hours)

60. Math Formula Parser

Write a Python program to parse math formulas and put parentheses around multiplication and division.

Sample Solution:

Python Code:

#https://gist.github.com/ohaz/ed0b14a487b0569aad2d
import ast

def recurse(node):
    if isinstance(node, ast.BinOp):
        if isinstance(node.op, ast.Mult) or isinstance(node.op, ast.Div):
            print('(', end='')
        recurse(node.left)
        recurse(node.op)
        recurse(node.right)
        if isinstance(node.op, ast.Mult) or isinstance(node.op, ast.Div):
            print(')', end='')
    elif isinstance(node, ast.Add):
        print('+', end='')
    elif isinstance(node, ast.Sub):
        print('-', end='')
    elif isinstance(node, ast.Mult):
        print('*', end='')
    elif isinstance(node, ast.Div):
        print('/', end='')
    elif isinstance(node, ast.Num):
        print(node.n, end='')
    else:
        for child in ast.iter_child_nodes(node):
            recurse(child)


def search_expr(node):
    returns = []
    for child in ast.iter_child_nodes(node):
        if isinstance(child, ast.Expr):
            return child
        returns.append(search_expr(child))
    for ret in returns:
        if isinstance(ret, ast.Expr):
            return ret
    return None


formula = '4+5*7/2'

a = ast.parse(formula)

expr = search_expr(a)
if expr is not None:
    recurse(expr)
print()

Sample Output:

4+((5*7)/2)

Flowchart:

For more Practice: Solve these Related Problems:

• Write a Python program to parse a basic mathematical formula string and insert parentheses around multiplication and division operations.
• Write a Python function that takes a string expression, modifies it to explicitly group multiplication/division, and returns the new string.
• Write a Python script to process a math formula provided by the user and output the expression with proper parentheses to ensure correct order of operations.
• Write a Python program to use regular expressions to detect multiplication and division in a string and insert parentheses around them.

Go to:

• Python Math Exercises Home ↩
• Python Exercises Home ↩

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Python Code Editor:

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