[Date Index] [Thread Index] [Author Index]

Re: Problem with Complement?

• To: mathgroup at yoda.ncsa.uiuc.edu
• Subject: Re: Problem with Complement?
• From: jacobson at cello.hpl.hp.com
• Date: Tue, 13 Nov 90 14:03:45 PST

> Why does the Complement function reverse lists under some circumstances?

It sorts lists into a canonical order (aka "standard order").  See the
description of Complement on page 607 and the description of Order on
page 660.  "Canonical order has several properties.  Smaller numbers
of a particular type come first.  Symbols are ordered
lexicographically according to the textual names.  Strings are ordered
lexicographically.  Shorted expressions come first."

  -- David Jacobson