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From: karsh@geowhiz.UUCP (Bruce Karsh)
Newsgroups: net.math
Subject: Re: Fraction math algs.
Message-ID: <180@geowhiz.UUCP>
Date: Sat, 27-Apr-85 04:58:15 EDT
Article-I.D.: geowhiz.180
Posted: Sat Apr 27 04:58:15 1985
Date-Received: Sun, 28-Apr-85 07:38:33 EDT
References: <920001@acf4.UUCP>
Organization: UW Madison, Geology Dept.
Lines: 15

> I am attempting to perform limited precision fractional math using a digital
> computer. The idea is to not use a float where a fraction would do. A 
> fraction also is just integer multiplication,addition,etc... No floating
> point nastiness need creep into the calculation. I am troubled by ways to
> efficiently handle normalization.

  If you want to keep the calculations exact, then probably the best
you can do is to use Euclid's algorithm to reduce the fraction to
least common denominator.
-- 
Bruce Karsh                           |
U. Wisc. Dept. Geology and Geophysics |
1215 W Dayton, Madison, WI 53706      | This space for rent.
(608) 262-1697                        |
{ihnp4,seismo}!uwvax!geowhiz!karsh    |