Rational Arithmetic For Mini-Computers

Abstract

A representation for numbers using two computer words is discussed, where the value represented is the ratio of the corresponding integers. This allows for better dynamic range and relative accuracy than single-precision fixed point, yet is less costly than floating point arithmetic. The scheme is easy to implement and particularly well suited for mini-computer applications that call for a great deal of numerical computation. The techniques described have been used to implement a mathematical function subroutine package for a mini-computer as well as a number of applications programs in the machine vision and machine manipulation area.