[boost] C++ Standard Library proposal - Math functions for Statistics

From: Paul A. Bristow (boost_at_[hidden])
Date: 2003-04-09 14:42:02

Following discussions with Walter Brown, who made a previous proposal for some
math functions (adding to the C99 functions proposed by P J Plauger),
I have prepared a draft of a new proposal to add a good number of other 'special
functions' which I believe have even greater practical utility (but perhaps more
difficulty in implementation).

The functions are essential for any statistical work assessing probabilities. I
believe this is essential to get useful information even from means & standard
deviations.

The difficult function is the incomplete beta, but is implicitly used by most of
the other functions.

The C99 math functions are also required.

The attached zipped HTML DRAFT document gives some background, references,
rationale, proposed functions and suggested names (which put clarity before
curtness, diverging from math greek letters to longer C++ Standard style names.

I have drawn heavily from an existing C implementation called Cephes by S
Moshier which might provide a C++ implementation if a Boost licence for a
repackaged C++ version could be obtained from the author.

The proposed functions are overloaded for float, double and long double
following the C99 to C++98 proposal, without using exceptions.  Although, this
is not the best C++ solution, I am now resigned that it is the best compromise
to maximize C and C++ compatibility.

Comments, corrections, criticism etc welcome.

Paul

Paul A Bristow, Prizet Farmhouse, Kendal, Cumbria, LA8 8AB  UK
[phone]   Mobile [phone]
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