Difference between revisions of "Round-off error"

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(Created page with "In mathematics, a '''round-off error''', also called '''rounding error''', is the difference between the calculated approximation of a number and its exact mathematica...")
 
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== Description =]
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== Description ==
  
 
Round-off error is a form of [[quantization error]].
 
Round-off error is a form of [[quantization error]].

Revision as of 05:49, 13 September 2015

In mathematics, a round-off error, also called rounding error, is the difference between the calculated approximation of a number and its exact mathematical value due to rounding.

(TO DO: expand, organize, cross-reference, illustrate.)

Description

Round-off error is a form of quantization error.

One of the goals of numerical analysis is to estimate errors in calculations, including round-off error, when using approximation equations and/or algorithms, especially when using finitely many digits to represent real numbers (which in theory have infinitely many digits).

When a sequence of calculations subject to rounding error is made, errors may accumulate, sometimes dominating the calculation. In ill-conditioned problems, significant error may accumulate.

Representation error

The error introduced by attempting to represent a number using a finite string of digits is a form of round-off error called representation error.

See also

External links