- #1
anam89
- 17
- 0
what are the floating points of a computer?
Understanding Floating Points in Computing
In summary, floating points are a way of representing real numbers in a computer with a fixed number of digits for the whole number and decimal portion. They differ from integers in that they can handle numbers with decimal points and have a wider range. They are used in computing for their ability to represent large and small numbers and perform complex calculations. However, common issues with floating points include rounding errors and unexpected results in calculations. To mitigate these problems, it is important to understand their limitations and use proper formatting and rounding techniques when working with floating point numbers.
- #2
Integral
Staff Emeritus
Science Advisor
Gold Member
- 7,255
- 66
Floating point numbers are how fractional numbers are stored in computer memory.
- #3
anam89
- 17
- 0
give me in detail about floating points of a computer?
- #4
zeitghost
- 156
- 0
anam89 said:
Try looking at this...
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Floating_point_unit
And then try following some of the links.
p.s.
Google is your friend.
- #5
Kittel Knight
- 99
- 1
1. What are floating points in computing?
Floating points are a way of representing real numbers in a computer. They are a binary representation of a decimal number, with a fixed number of digits for the whole number and a fixed number of digits for the decimal portion.
2. How are floating points different from integers?
Integers are whole numbers without a decimal point, while floating points can represent numbers with decimal points. Additionally, integers have a fixed range, while floating points can represent a much wider range of numbers.
3. Why are floating points used in computing?
Floating points are used in computing because they allow for a wider range of numbers to be represented and can handle both very large and very small numbers. They are also useful for performing complex mathematical calculations.
4. What are some common issues with floating points in computing?
One common issue with floating points is rounding errors, which can occur when a number can't be represented exactly in binary. Another issue is that some calculations with floating points can lead to unexpected results due to the inherent limitations in representing real numbers in a binary system.
5. How can I mitigate potential problems with floating points in my code?
To mitigate potential problems with floating points, it is important to understand their limitations and use them appropriately. This includes avoiding comparing floating point numbers for equality and using specialized libraries or data types for more precise calculations. It is also helpful to use proper formatting and rounding techniques when displaying floating point numbers to avoid confusion or unexpected results.
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