but for literal floating point values you would in general have to write them in a number base of a power of two if you want to express (and match) them exactly

You've missed the point.

It is not about representing root3 exactly; it is about displaying and printing the calculated internal value of root3 such that it retains all the available accuracy, so that that same level of accuracy may be restored from the printed value.

This is always possible; but perl does not achieve it.

The point is about reproducibility.

With the rise and rise of 'Social' network sites: 'Computers are making people easier to use everyday'
Examine what is said, not who speaks -- Silence betokens consent -- Love the truth but pardon error.
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In reply to Re^5: Variables are automatically rounded off in perl (humans) by BrowserUk
in thread Variables are automatically rounded off in perl by Anonymous Monk

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