Re: [boost] Rational precision issues

From: Steve M. Robbins (steven.robbins_at_[hidden])
Date: 2002-03-15 09:11:49

On Thu, Mar 14, 2002 at 09:49:14AM -0000, Paul A. Bristow wrote:
> I believe a templated rational WILL be useful and will be used with 32 or 64
> bit integers, (or unlimited precision integers when available).
> 
> Isn't the key advantage of rational is that results remain EXACT (no
> rounding etc)? 

Yes, but that is only true if you use an arbitrary-precision integer
package.  And only if you stick to using the four basic arithmetic ops
-- no sqrt(), no trig.

> And perhaps rationals are quick too?

Not if you use arbitrary-precision integers :-)

-S

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