Verifying Sequence of Push/Pop Ops in a Stack

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In summary, the sequence $2 5 6 7 4 8 9 3 1 0$ can be printed by pushing and popping elements in a LIFO manner. However, the sequence $4 6 8 7 5 3 2 9 0 1$ cannot be printed due to the fact that the element $1$ was placed after $0$ and the LIFO method does not allow for elements to be popped out of sequence.
  • #1
evinda
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Hello! (Smirk)

Consider that a sequence of 10 push and 10 pop operations is executed at an initially empty stack.
The ten push operations place the numbers $0,1, \dots, 9 $, in an ascending order, in the stack.
It is possible, that between the push operations we can have some pop operations. Each pop() operation prints the value, that is returns.

Which of the following sequence of numbers cannot be printed? For the sequences, that are valid, present the sequence push() and pop() that has to be done, and for the others justify why they cannot be printed.

  • $2 5 6 7 4 8 9 3 1 0$
  • $4 6 8 7 5 3 2 9 0 1$

That's what I have tried:

  • We push in the stack $0$, $1$, $2$, we pop $2$, we push $3$, $4$, $5$, we pop $5$, we push $6$, we pop $6$, we push $7$, we pop $7$, we pop $4$, we push $8$, we pop $8$, we push $9$, we pop $9$, we pop $1$, we pop $0$.

    So, the sequence $2 5 6 7 4 8 9 3 1 0$ can be printed.
    $$$$
  • We push in the stack $0$, $1$, $2$, $3$, $4$, we pop $4$, we push $5$, $6$, we pop $6$, we push $7$, $8$, we pop $8$, we pop $7$, $5$, $3$, $2$, we push $9$, we pop $9$, but, then, we cannot pop $0$, because of the fact that $1$ was put after $0$ and the method that we use to push/pop elements is LIFO.

    So, the second sequence is not valid.

Am I right? (Thinking)
 
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  • #2
evinda said:
Hello! (Smirk)

Consider that a sequence of 10 push and 10 pop operations is executed at an initially empty stack.
The ten push operations place the numbers $0,1, \dots, 9 $, in an ascending order, in the stack.
It is possible, that between the push operations we can have some pop operations. Each pop() operation prints the value, that is returns.

Which of the following sequence of numbers cannot be printed? For the sequences, that are valid, present the sequence push() and pop() that has to be done, and for the others justify why they cannot be printed.

  • $2 5 6 7 4 8 9 3 1 0$
  • $4 6 8 7 5 3 2 9 0 1$

That's what I have tried:

  • We push in the stack $0$, $1$, $2$, we pop $2$, we push $3$, $4$, $5$, we pop $5$, we push $6$, we pop $6$, we push $7$, we pop $7$, we pop $4$, we push $8$, we pop $8$, we push $9$, we pop $9$, we pop $1$, we pop $0$.

    So, the sequence $2 5 6 7 4 8 9 3 1 0$ can be printed.
    $$$$
  • We push in the stack $0$, $1$, $2$, $3$, $4$, we pop $4$, we push $5$, $6$, we pop $6$, we push $7$, $8$, we pop $8$, we pop $7$, $5$, $3$, $2$, we push $9$, we pop $9$, but, then, we cannot pop $0$, because of the fact that $1$ was put after $0$ and the method that we use to push/pop elements is LIFO.

    So, the second sequence is not valid.

Am I right? (Thinking)
Sounds good to me, except that in explaining the first sequence you omitted to say "pop 3" after "pop 9".
 
  • #3
Opalg said:
Sounds good to me, except that in explaining the first sequence you omitted to say "pop 3" after "pop 9".

Oh yes, I am sorry... (Blush) Thanks a lot! (Smile)
 

FAQ: Verifying Sequence of Push/Pop Ops in a Stack

What is a stack and how does it work?

A stack is a data structure that follows the "last in, first out" (LIFO) principle. This means that the last item added to the stack will be the first one to be removed. It works by using two main operations - push and pop. Push adds an item to the top of the stack, while pop removes an item from the top of the stack.

How do you verify the sequence of push and pop operations in a stack?

To verify the sequence of push and pop operations in a stack, we need to keep track of the current state of the stack after each operation. For example, if we push three items onto the stack, the top item will be the last one pushed. When we pop an item, it should be the top item in the stack. We can also use a pen and paper or a debugger to visualize the stack and its contents.

Why is it important to verify the sequence of push and pop operations in a stack?

Verifying the sequence of push and pop operations in a stack is important because it ensures that the stack is being used correctly. If the sequence is incorrect, it can lead to unexpected errors or incorrect results. By verifying the sequence, we can catch any mistakes or bugs in our code and fix them before they cause bigger issues.

Can the sequence of push and pop operations in a stack be changed?

No, the sequence of push and pop operations in a stack cannot be changed. This is because it follows the LIFO principle, meaning that the last item added will always be the first one removed. Attempting to change the sequence would go against the fundamental concept of a stack.

What are some common mistakes when using a stack and how can they be avoided?

Some common mistakes when using a stack include forgetting to push an item onto the stack before popping, attempting to pop from an empty stack, or pushing too many items onto the stack without popping any. These mistakes can be avoided by carefully planning and testing the sequence of operations before implementing them, and also by thoroughly understanding the principles of a stack.

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