Introduction of a new data type to a high-level language to improve accuracy of computation

It is proposed that a novel type, called a rational type, be added to the set of existent types in high-level languages to enhance the accuracy of computation. Most fractions cannot be represented exactly in the real type or floating-point type that are currently available in high-level languages. I...

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Bibliographic Details
Main Authors: Boujarwah, A.S., Tapia, M.A.
Format: Conference Proceeding
Language:English
Subjects:
Floating-point arithmetic
High level languages
Statistical analysis
Supercomputers
Online Access:Request full text
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Summary:It is proposed that a novel type, called a rational type, be added to the set of existent types in high-level languages to enhance the accuracy of computation. Most fractions cannot be represented exactly in the real type or floating-point type that are currently available in high-level languages. In the proposed type, a real number is expressed as a ratio of two integers. It has already been established theoretically that computation using a rational format gives more accurate results for a class of problems than that using a floating-point format. A statistical analysis done by the authors showed that computation of values of natural logarithm, exponential, sine, square root, arctangent and the nth power of a variable were found to be more accurate virtually all the time when the rational format was used instead of the floating-point format.< >
DOI:10.1109/PCCC.1988.10056