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What is dc MacOS command?

The dc command on MacOS is a versatile tool for performing complex mathematical calculations with arbitrary precision. It uses a reverse Polish notation approach, where operators follow the operands. This allows for efficient calculation of various mathematical expressions, making it a powerful utility for scripting and automation tasks.

Terminal window
dc [options] [operands]
OptionDescription
-e expressionSpecify a calculation expression to be executed
-f fileRead input from the specified file
-oOutput results in octal format
-iIgnore invalid characters in input
-SOperate in stack-only mode
-rOutput results in radians
-DOutput results in debug format
-TOutput results in trace format
ParameterDescription
expressionCalculation expression to be evaluated
fileFile containing input operands
operandsOperands for the calculation
Terminal window
echo "3 5 + p" | dc

Calculates the sum of 3 and 5 using dc.

Terminal window
echo "5 1-" | dc -e 'k[1-d0<b]dsbx'

Calculates the factorial of 5 using dc.

Terminal window
echo "10 p" | dc -e '2 o p'

Converts the decimal number 10 to binary using dc.

Terminal window
echo "2 3 ^ p" | dc

Calculates 2 raised to the power of 3 using dc.

Terminal window
echo "16 v p" | dc

Calculates the square root of 16 using dc.

To use the dc command in bash, execute the following command:

Terminal window
dc --version

What is the purpose of the dc command in MacOS?

Section titled “What is the purpose of the dc command in MacOS?”

The dc command in MacOS is a reverse-polish calculator that performs mathematical calculations using postfix notation.

Terminal window
dc -e '5 3 + p'

How can I perform basic arithmetic operations with dc in MacOS?

Section titled “How can I perform basic arithmetic operations with dc in MacOS?”

You can add two numbers using the following command format in dc:

Terminal window
dc -e '5 3 + p'

To subtract one number from another using dc, use the following command structure:

Terminal window
dc -e '7 2 - p'

Is it possible to multiply numbers with the dc command in MacOS?

Section titled “Is it possible to multiply numbers with the dc command in MacOS?”

Yes, you can multiply numbers using dc by following this command format:

Terminal window
dc -e '4 5 * p'

How can I divide numbers with the dc command in MacOS?

Section titled “How can I divide numbers with the dc command in MacOS?”

To divide one number by another using dc, use the following syntax:

Terminal window
dc -e '10 2 / p'

How to calculate exponentiation using dc in MacOS?

Section titled “How to calculate exponentiation using dc in MacOS?”

You can raise a number to a power using dc with the following command structure:

Terminal window
dc -e '2 4 ^ p'

Can I use dc for more complex mathematical expressions in MacOS?

Section titled “Can I use dc for more complex mathematical expressions in MacOS?”

Yes, you can use dc for complex calculations involving functions, trigonometry, and more advanced mathematical operations.

Terminal window
dc -e '3 2 ^ 5 4 * + p'
  1. Performing arithmetic operations
  2. Converting numbers between different bases
  3. Implementing simple mathematical functions
  4. Solving equations and evaluating expressions