> Python's floats have 52 *binary* places of precision, or approximately
> 15 *decimal* places. So even though we may not be able to physically
> build a machine capable of aiming a laser to a precision of
> 0.001 degrees, at least we can be comforted by the knowledge
> that a C double o
On Sun, Jun 12, 2011 at 9:11 PM, Steven D'Aprano wrote:
> Robert Sjoblom wrote:
>
>> * Or you just get used to the fact that some numbers are not exact in
floating point.
>>> This got me thinking. How many decimal places do you need to
>>> accurately, say, aim a laser somewhere in a 180
Robert Sjoblom wrote:
* Or you just get used to the fact that some numbers are not exact in
floating point.
This got me thinking. How many decimal places do you need to
accurately, say, aim a laser somewhere in a 180 degree arc accurately
enough to hit a dime on the surface of the moon?
Alan
>> * Or you just get used to the fact that some numbers are not exact in
>> floating point.
>
> This got me thinking. How many decimal places do you need to
> accurately, say, aim a laser somewhere in a 180 degree arc accurately
> enough to hit a dime on the surface of the moon?
>
> Alan
In short:
