4 ms·

So why not work with fractions instead? Then be problem becomes to store big or arbitrary sized integers.

• projektfu 4y ago
  They are effectively fractions. Everything is represented to the nearest 1/65536. This is equivalent to arbitrary fractions with 16-bit numerators and denominators.
  • zelphirkalt 4y ago
    I think my question is rather, "Why not use a representation as a fraction?" then. Technically every number inside a computer, which is not merely symbols interpreted outside of the computer, is a fraction, because of limited precision of finite memory. I guess it is all about the representation then. So the question becomes one of why one representation is better and why not use a fraction representation of 2 integers instead.
    • projektfu 4y ago
      Well, scaled fixed point representation lets you use integer operations. With two separate memory locations, you'd have to manage things like borrow and carry yourself.