in reply to Re^3: Negative zero from a multiplication by a zero?
in thread Negative zero from a multiplication by a zero?

eh? The results are predictable and intentional (on a platform with support for negative zeroes), and they exist to support small values.
  • Comment on Re^4: Negative zero from a multiplication by a zero?

Replies are listed 'Best First'.
Re^5: Negative zero from a multiplication by a zero?
by Marshall (Canon) on Jun 09, 2009 at 20:44 UTC
    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.

        I think we've gone past what the op wanted to know.
        The "big" number thing came about with %24.16e format.
        I would ask the Op to tell us what didn't get answered from the original post.