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MacOS bc command

The MacOS bc command is a useful tool for performing calculations in the terminal. It allows users to quickly compute mathematical expressions and functions either in a shell script or interactively. With bc, you can easily perform basic arithmetic operations, as well as more complex mathematical calculations. Additionally, bc supports functions and working with arbitrary precision numbers. Overall, the bc command is a versatile tool for any user looking to perform calculations directly from the command line.

Terminal window
bc [options] [file]
OptionDescription
-lMath library functions are loaded
-wEnable warnings
-qQuiet mode (do not print result)
-sEnable standard BC scale
-iEnable interactive mode
-hDisplay help text and exit
ParameterDescription
fileFile with bc script
Terminal window
echo "10 + 5" | bc

Performs the addition operation between 10 and 5 using bc.

Terminal window
echo "sqrt(25)" | bc -l

Calculates the square root of 25 using bc with the -l (math library) flag.

Terminal window
echo "s(0)" | bc -l

Computes the sine of 0 radians using bc with the -l flag.

Terminal window
echo "obase=2; 10" | bc

Converts the decimal number 10 to binary using bc with the obase (output base) setting.

To use the bc command in MacOS, execute the following command:

Terminal window
bc -l

How can I perform basic arithmetic calculations with bc in MacOS?

Section titled “How can I perform basic arithmetic calculations with bc in MacOS?”

To perform basic arithmetic calculations with bc in MacOS, use the following syntax:

Terminal window
echo "15.5 + 6.2" | bc

How do I set the scale (number of decimal places) for bc in MacOS?

Section titled “How do I set the scale (number of decimal places) for bc in MacOS?”

To set the scale (number of decimal places) for bc in MacOS, use the scale option followed by the desired number:

Terminal window
echo "scale=2; 10/3" | bc

Can I use variables in bc commands on MacOS?

Section titled “Can I use variables in bc commands on MacOS?”

Yes, you can use variables in bc commands on MacOS. Here’s an example of defining and using a variable:

Terminal window
echo "x = 10; x * 2" | bc

How do I calculate square roots with bc in MacOS?

Section titled “How do I calculate square roots with bc in MacOS?”

To calculate square roots with bc in MacOS, use the sqrt function within the bc command:

Terminal window
echo "sqrt(25)" | bc -l

Is it possible to use bc for bitwise operations in MacOS?

Section titled “Is it possible to use bc for bitwise operations in MacOS?”

Yes, you can use bc for bitwise operations in MacOS. Here’s an example of performing a bitwise AND operation:

Terminal window
echo "ibase=2; 1010 & 1100" | bc

To exit the bc command in MacOS, simply type “quit” or press Ctrl + D.

Terminal window
bc
quit
  • Arithmetic calculations
  • Precision calculations
  • Creating custom calculator scripts
  • Number base conversions