Math errors in python
Grant Edwards
grante at visi.com
Sun Sep 19 13:00:56 EDT 2004
On 2004-09-19, Chris S. <chrisks at NOSPAM.udel.edu> wrote:
> Sqrt is a fair criticism, but Pi equals 22/7, exactly the form this
> arithmetic is meant for.
<boggle>
> Any decimal can be represented by a fraction, yet not all
> fractions can be represented by decimals. My point is that
> such simple accuracy should be supported out of the box.
It is. Just not with floating point.
> So are our brains, yet we somehow manage to compute 12.10 + 8.30
> correctly using nothing more than simple skills developed in
> grade-school. You could theoretically compute an infinitely long
> equation by simply operating on single digits, yet Python, with all of
> its resources, can't overcome this hurtle?
Sure it can.
> However, I understand Python's limitation in this regard. This
> inaccuracy stems from the traditional C mindset, which
> typically dismisses any approach not directly supported in
> hardware. As the FAQ states, this problem is due to the
> "underlying C platform". I just find it funny how a $20
> calculator can be more accurate than Python running on a $1000
> Intel machine.
You're clueless on so many different points, I don't even know
where to start...
--
Grant Edwards grante Yow! I'm also pre-POURED
at pre-MEDITATED and
visi.com pre-RAPHAELITE!!
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