Infinite-precision arithmetic

[Dar Scott]

On May 24, 2005, at 1:49 PM, Cubist at aol.com wrote:

>> Wouldn't it be easier to interface to an existing bigint library?
>    The whole point of what I'm doing with this is two-fold: (a) To 
> have a
> suite of functions with truly *infinite* precision -- not 15 places, 
> not 45
> places, but *as many places as you want or need* -- and

I know what you mean by *infinite*, that is, *as many places as you 
want or need* assuming you have the RAM and the time.  However, I like 
the term "indefinite" better.  Maybe an expert can advise us of a 
better term such as "arbitrary precision".

There are some libraries with indefinite precision arithmetic.

> (b) to have these functions
> exist as pure, native Transcript.

That is an exciting goal.

Don't worry about a slow divide, but your multiply should be based on 
the best method you can find if you are going to do powers or trig or 
other interesting functions.

Every Christmas I bring up enhanced arithmetic, but so far it seems 
only you, Andre and I have shown any interest.

Dar

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