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5.2 Understanding Expression Evaluation
Any single notation is insufficient to allow the user to interpret an expression
easily. The user should have, at her/his disposal, an array of aids to help her visualize
and better understand the expression.
The basic premise behind the tabular notation is to allow the user to clarify
complex mathematical expressions. Even at the cell level, the quest to simplify and
clarify the expression should be pursued.
TCT does have the means to help a user find out how the expression is evaluated
through sub-expression underscoring. The user can click on an operator or function in
the expression, and the appropriate corresponding sub-expression will be underlined
(Figure 19).
Figure 19: TCT notational aid – underscored sub-expression
Unfortunately, this does not work very well for lengthy expressions.
Long
expressions consist of many sub expressions, and the underscoring indicates only the
current sub-expression of interest. The user is still forced to build a mental map of how
each part of expression relates to the other parts, and this can be difficult for long and
complex expressions.
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