Final answer:
The question refers to prefix notation in discrete mathematics. Prefix notation is when the operator is placed before the operands. It is contrasted with infix, where the operator is between operands, and postfix, where the operator follows the operands. The correct answer is A) Infix notation.
Step-by-step explanation:
The question is asking to define prefix notation within the context of discrete structures, which is a topic within mathematics. Prefix notation, also known as Polish notation, is a way of writing arithmetic expressions where the operator precedes its operands.
In other words, the expression is written with the operator first, followed by the terms it applies to, for example, "+ A B" instead of the standard infix notation "A + B" which we are more accustomed to. This applies to any operator and operands, not just addition.
In contrast to prefix notation:
- Infix notation is the common arithmetic expression style, where operators are written in-between the operands they apply to, such as "A + B".
- Postfix notation, or Reverse Polish Notation, is where the operator follows the operands, such as "A B +".
Other notations mentioned, such as binary and decimal notation, refer to number systems and not to the order of operators and operands in expressions.