Fortran Program for Arbitrary Precision Arithmetic (Classic Reprint) - Hardcover

Leonard C. Maximon

9780260835758: Fortran Program for Arbitrary Precision Arithmetic (Classic Reprint)

Hardcover

ISBN 10: 0260835757 ISBN 13: 9780260835758

Publisher: Forgotten Books, 2018

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This book delves into the fascinating realm of arbitrary-precision arithmetic, offering a deep dive into the development and implementation of a FORTRAN program designed to perform calculations with an impressive level of accuracy. The author, a physicist, recognised the limitations of standard computer arithmetic in scientific problems where significant digits can be lost due to cancellations. Set against the backdrop of the 1970s, when computational power was rapidly evolving, this work addresses the need for more robust numerical methods in physics and applied mathematics. The book meticulously details the structure of the program, explaining the representation of numbers, the storage of digits in arrays, and the algorithms for performing arithmetic operations like addition, subtraction, multiplication, and division. Beyond the technical intricacies, the author explores the broader implications of arbitrary-precision arithmetic. The ability to calculate with a large number of digits opened doors to tackling complex problems in various scientific disciplines and provided a means to verify the accuracy of existing computational routines. This book serves as a testament to the ingenuity of mathematicians and physicists in pushing the boundaries of numerical computation, ultimately contributing to a deeper understanding of the physical world.

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