Round-off error
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
- Round-off error @ Wikipedia
