Python | Solve given list containing numbers and arithmetic operators

Last Updated : 11 Apr, 2023

Given a list containing numbers and arithmetic operators, the task is to solve the list.
Example:

Input: lst =  [2, '+', 22, '+', 55, '+', 4]
Output: 83

Input: lst =  [12, '+', 8, '-', 5]
Output: 15

Below are some ways to achieve the above tasks.
Method #1: Using Iteration We can use iteration as the simplest approach to solve the list with importing different operators.

Python3

# Python code to solve the list
# containing numbers and arithmetic operators
 
# Importing
from operator import add, sub
 
# Function to solve list
def find(Input):
    ans = 0
    options = {'+': add, '-': sub}
    option = add 
    for item in Input:
        if item in options:
            option = options[item]
        else:
            number = float(item)
            ans = option(ans, number)
    return ans
 
# Input Initialization
lst = [91, '+', 132, '-', 156, '+', 4]
 
# Calling function
Output = find(lst)
 
# Printing output
print("Initial list", lst)
print("Answer after solving list is:", Output)

Output:

Initial list [91, '+', 132, '-', 156, '+', 4]
Answer after solving list is: 71.0

Method #2: Using eval and join

Python3

# Python code to solve the list
# containing numbers and arithmetic operators
 
# Input list initialization
lst =  [2, '+', 22, '+', 55, '+', 4]
 
# Using eval and join
Output = eval(' '.join(str(x) for x in lst))
 
# Printing output
print("Initial list", lst)
print("Answer after solving list is:", Output)

Output:

Initial list [2, '+', 22, '+', 55, '+', 4]
Answer after solving list is: 83

Approach#3: Using loop

This approach defines a function that takes a list containing numbers and arithmetic operators and evaluates the expression. It initializes the result to the first number in the list and iterates through the remaining items in pairs. Depending on the operator in the current pair, it performs addition, subtraction, multiplication, or division on the result and the next number in the list. The final result is returned.

Algorithm

1. Initialize a variable result to the first element of the list.
2. Traverse the list from index 1 to n-1.
3. If the current element is an operator, apply it on the result and the next element.
4. If the current element is a number, ignore it.
5. Return the final result.

Python3

def evaluate_expression(lst):
    result = lst[0]
    for i in range(1, len(lst)-1, 2):
        if lst[i] == '+':
            result += lst[i+1]
        elif lst[i] == '-':
            result -= lst[i+1]
        elif lst[i] == '*':
            result *= lst[i+1]
        elif lst[i] == '/':
            result /= lst[i+1]
    return result
 
lst = [2, '+', 22, '+', 55, '+', 4]
print(evaluate_expression(lst))  # 83
 
lst = [12, '+', 8, '-', 5]
print(evaluate_expression(lst))  # 15