In the LISP programming language, how should the addition of 3 and 2 be written using prefix notation and proper list structure?

Difficulty: Easy

Correct Answer: (+ 3 2)

Explanation:


Introduction / Context:
LISP (LISt Processing) uses prefix (Polish) notation and parenthesized lists to represent expressions. Operators precede their operands, and evaluation proceeds by applying the first element (a function or operator) to the remaining elements (arguments). The question tests recognition of this canonical syntax for a simple arithmetic operation.


Given Data / Assumptions:

  • The task is to express 3 + 2 in valid LISP syntax.
  • LISP requires parentheses to form an s-expression (symbolic expression).
  • Operators are functions written before their operands.


Concept / Approach:

In LISP, an addition is written with the plus symbol as a function followed by its arguments inside a list. Thus the correct expression is an s-expression containing the operator and operands: (+ 3 2). This is evaluated by the interpreter to produce the number 5. The same pattern generalizes to any number of operands, e.g., (+ 1 2 3).


Step-by-Step Solution:

Recall that LISP uses prefix notation: operator first, then operands.Construct a list with parentheses: (operator operand1 operand2).Insert + as the operator and 3, 2 as operands: (+ 3 2).Confirm that this evaluates to 5 in a LISP REPL.


Verification / Alternative check:

A quick test in any Common Lisp or Scheme environment returns 5 for (+ 3 2), validating the syntax and semantics.


Why Other Options Are Wrong:

‘‘3 + 2’’ and ‘‘3 + 2 =’’: Infix notation; not LISP list form.

‘‘3 add 2’’: Not valid LISP syntax for addition.

None of the above: Incorrect because (+ 3 2) is valid.


Common Pitfalls:

Forgetting parentheses around the list; writing infix out of habit from other languages.


Final Answer:

(+ 3 2)

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