Floating-point numbers and roundoff
Floating-point numbers use a sign, finite significand and exponent.
Key knowledge
Floating-point numbers use a sign, finite significand and exponent. For rounding to nearest in the normal range, fl(x)=x(1+δ) with |δ| bounded by unit roundoff; representation precision does not guarantee result accuracy.
Conditions and scope
- Overflow, underflow and subnormal values require separate handling.
- Mathematically equivalent expressions may produce different rounded results.
Sources · 1
References
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Evidence and review
Section 1.1, representation equations 1.1.1–1.1.6 and precision/accuracy distinction.
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Entry details
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- university-core.1
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- University core expansion