Avaldised

Avaldised are a fundamental concept in Estonian mathematics and computer science, referring to constructs that can be evaluated to yield a value. An avaldis consists of operands (such as numbers, constants or variables) and operators (such as +, -, *, /, exponentiation) and may include parentheses or functions. For a given assignment of values to variables, an avaldis can be simplified or computed to a single result.

In mathematics, avaldised include algebraic expressions (polynomials, rational expressions, radicals), exponential and logarithmic expressions, trigonometric expressions and more. They do not by themselves state a relation; an expression is contrasted with an equation, which asserts the equality of two expressions, for example x + 2 = 7. Expressions can be simplified, expanded, factored or evaluated at specific values.

In computer science and programming, an avaldis is a syntactic unit that yields a value when evaluated. It can involve literals, variable references, arithmetic operations, boolean operations, function calls and conditional constructs. Expressions may be classified as arithmetic, boolean, function-call, or conditional expressions, among others. Some languages allow expressions with side effects, such as assignments, while others treat expressions as pure values only. Operator precedence and associativity, as well as evaluation strategies (eager vs. lazy), influence how an avaldis is computed.

A key distinction is that expressions produce values, whereas statements perform actions and may not yield a value. Understanding avaldised is foundational for algebra, programming, and logic, where they form the building blocks of formulas, computations and decision-making.