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Glite Dictionary
floating-point representation system

floating-point representation system

7.6
A way computers write numbers with decimals using a power to show the decimal point position
  • noun
  • /ˈfloʊtɪŋ pɔɪnt ˌrɛprɪˈzɛnˈteɪʃən ˈsɪstəm/
  • Specialized
translation icon : sistema de representación de punto flotante
  • Modern computers use a floating-point representation system to handle very large and very small real numbers efficiently.

Examples

  • Understanding the floating-point representation system is essential for programming scientific and engineering applications.

  • Errors may arise from rounding in the floating-point representation system when performing complex calculations.

  • The floating-point representation system allows for precise calculations.

  • Many programming languages support the floating-point representation system.

  • Modern computers use a floating-point representation system to handle very large and very small real numbers efficiently.

  • Understanding the floating-point representation system is essential for programming scientific and engineering applications.

  • Errors may arise from rounding in the floating-point representation system when performing complex calculations.

Synonyms

floating-point notation
vsfloating-point representation system
  • Specialized
6.0

A way to write very large or very small numbers using an exponent so the decimal point can move

is the broader numerical system that uses an exponent to place the decimal

Surface Forms

floating-point representation system singular
floating-point representation systems plural

Morphology

floating-point + representation + system

The elements 'representation' and 'system' are transparent (a system that represents), but 'floating-point' is a technical compound whose precise meaning (a numeric format using a movable decimal indicated by an exponent) is not directly inferable by a B1 learner from 'floating' + 'point'. The overall phrase gives a partial clue (a system for representing numbers with a ‘floating’ decimal) but requires domain knowledge to understand fully, so it is only partially transparent.

Etymology

Floating-point representation system comes from the simple image of a decimal point that can float — it moves left or right because a small number tells where to put it. So, by letting the point float, the system can show very big or very small numbers.