floating-point number
Fractional digital representation
A floating-point number is a way computers represent numbers that have decimal points or are very large or very small.
The "floating" refers to how the decimal point can move position to accommodate different magnitudes, unlike fixed-point numbers where the decimal stays put.
Floating-point arithmetic enables calculations across an enormous range of values but introduces tiny rounding errors that occasionally cause surprising results—a trade-off programmers learn to manage.
The simulation uses double-precision floating-point numbers for accuracy.
Logarithm's fractional component
- exponentSuperscript showing power
- binaryConsisting of two parts
- doubleTwice the amount
- singleOne in number
format · encoding · normalized · subnormal · infinity · NaN · 64-bit · 32-bit
Joining quantities mathematically
- subtractionRemoving quantities mathematically
- multiplicationProduct-finding operation
- divisionSplitting into parts
- roundingAdjusting to simpler values
truncation · overflow · underflow · carry · borrow · floor · ceiling · modulo
Degree of correctness
- significant digitsNumerals showing measurement precision
- errorFault in communication
- toleranceWillingness to accept difference
- approximationNear but inexact value
granularity · resolution · significant figures · decimal places · conditioning · relative error · exactness
Finite problem-solving procedure
- simulationImitation of real processes
- calculationMathematical problem-solving process
- coprocessorSupplementary computational unit
- vectorizationLoop-free array computation
Governed by logic
- irrationalLacking sound judgment
- repeating decimalDecimal with endlessly cycling digits
- approximationNear but inexact value
- transcendentalBeyond ordinary experience
Numbers times ten-powers
- decimalTenths-based notation
- coefficientNumber multiplying a variable
- baseSupporting bottom structure
- radixNumerical system's base
mantissa
Logarithm's fractional component
single · format · encoding · normalized · subnormal · infinity · NaN · 64-bit · 32-bit
addition
Joining quantities mathematically
- subtractionRemoving quantities mathematically
- multiplicationProduct-finding operation
- divisionSplitting into parts
rounding · truncation · overflow · underflow · carry · borrow · floor · ceiling · modulo · remainder
accuracy
Degree of correctness
- significant digitsNumerals showing measurement precision
- errorFault in communication
- toleranceWillingness to accept difference
approximation · granularity · resolution · significant figures · decimal places · conditioning · relative error · exactness
algorithm
Finite problem-solving procedure
- simulationImitation of real processes
- calculationMathematical problem-solving process
- coprocessorSupplementary computational unit
rational
Governed by logic
- irrationalLacking sound judgment
- repeating decimalDecimal with endlessly cycling digits
- approximationNear but inexact value
scientific notation
Numbers times ten-powers
- decimalTenths-based notation
- coefficientNumber multiplying a variable
- baseSupporting bottom structure
floating-point numberinteger
Number lacking fractions
whole number · int · natural number · rational number · counting number
float, floating, floated, floats, floater, floaters, point, points, pointed