Storing/Parsing formulae

We have a need to store formulae in the database and then parse the result in a program. We can store in reverse polish notation as a free text field and then pipe out to 'dc' to provide a result but this is not attractive as users would need to learn a new arithmetic methodolgy E.G. 100 100 + 300 - 200 + p q gives the result of 100. Does anyone know of a way that a user could be enabled to type in a standard formulae including bracketing etc. I understand that insurance applications often make use of such. Our requirement is for a product costing module. Commercial solutions more than welcome. Thanks in advance Regards -- -- Peter Tashkoff <tashkop@kiwi.co.nz> Project Consultant/DBA NZ Kiwifruit Marketing Board Usual Disclaimers Apply --------------------------------------------------------------------------- ALL RIGHTS RESERVED This posting is copyright and may be used only for the purposes of professional study. Use of this posting in any commercial environment is explicitly prohibited. This posting may only be reproduced for personal archival purposes. ----------------------------------------------------------------------------