in reply to Re^2: Negative zero from a multiplication by a zero?
in thread Negative zero from a multiplication by a zero?

I think all the posts here are on the same track...HUGE negative or positive values can yield unpredictable results.
  • Comment on Re^3: Negative zero from a multiplication by a zero?

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Re^4: Negative zero from a multiplication by a zero?
by ikegami (Patriarch) on Jun 09, 2009 at 20:06 UTC
    eh? The results are predictable and intentional (on a platform with support for negative zeroes), and they exist to support small values.
      When I said, results can be unpredictable...that meant that source code on machine X may not generate the same results as on machine Y. Machine X will probably do what Machine X does repeatably!

      I think the whole idea of this thread was that when you are dealing with either very big or very small numbers, there are a lot of ways to "get into trouble", meaning that numeric results for the same source just may not be equal.

        that meant that source code on machine X may not generate the same results as on machine Y. Machine X will probably do what Machine X does repeatably!

        "platform-specific" or "not portable" are common terms to describe this.

        I think the whole idea of this thread was that when you are dealing with either very big or very small numbers, there are a lot of ways to "get into trouble"

        I don't know to what large numbers, small numbers and trouble you are referring. I did not get any such idea from this thread. Quite the opposite, the OP's question was about a feature that *prevents* you from getting into trouble in a particular situation.