Numbers and Computers

by Ronald T. Kneusel

Overview

This is a book about numbers and how those numbers are represented in and operated on by computers. It is crucial that developers understand this area because the numerical operations allowed by computers, and the limitations of those operations, especially in the area of floating point math, affect virtually everything people try to do with computers. This book aims to fill this gap by exploring, in sufficient but not overwhelming detail, just what it is that computers do with numbers.

Divided into two parts, the first deals with standard representations of integers and floating point numbers, while the second details several other number representations. Each chapter ends with exercises to review the key points. Topics covered include interval arithmetic, fixed-point numbers, floating point numbers, big integers and rational arithmetic.

This book is for anyone who develops software including software engineerings, scientists, computer science students, engineering students and anyone who programs for fun.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9783319505084
Publisher:	Springer-Verlag New York, LLC
Publication date:	02/09/2017
Sold by:	Barnes & Noble
Format:	eBook
File size:	6 MB

About the Author

Dr. Ronald T. Kneusel is a Senior Data Scientist with Harris Corportation. He received his Ph.D. in Computer Science from the University of Colorado, Boulder, in machine learning, and his M.S. in Physics from Michigan State University. His background includes work in breast cancer research and early functional MRI (Medical College of Wisconsin) through medical device development (MR, CT, US) to medical imaging and remote sensing image analysis. He has been deeply involved with software development at all levels since his first forays with an 8-bit Apple II+ computer in the early 1980s hooked him for life. Dr. Kneusel is currently working with Harris Corporation on the application of modern machine learning techniques to remote sensing imagery and related modalities. He is the author of multiple peer-reviewed research articles.

Table of Contents

Number Systems.- Integers.- Floating Point.- Big Integers and Rational Arithmetic.- Fixed-Point Numbers.- Decimal Floating Point.- Interval Arithmetic.

Editorial Reviews

This book can be profitably read by anyone who is interested in computers and is willing to occasionally slog through perhaps unfamiliar territory with minimal guidance. … details are explained thoroughly, with utmost clarity and specificity. Each chapter ends with a summary, recommendations, exercises, and a set of carefully selected references. This small book provides a solid foundation for further exploration and study. It can be especially valuable to computer science and electrical engineering students.” (Edgar R. Chavez, Computing Reviews, February, 2016)

“This book is, on one level, a discussion of how computers work with numbers. It tells how computers represent numbers such as integers, floating point numbers, big integers, decimals, and what is more, how one can write one’s own routines to operate on numbers. … If thismakes you wonder about the utility of computers and how to better understand numerical representations and calculations, you will do well to add this book to your winter reading list.” (David S. Mazel, MAA Reviews, maa.org, January, 2016)

“The book starts with an overview on number systems. … The book is a good source of information for all who wants to learn how numbers are represented in computers and how computations are performed.” (Michael Jung, zbMATH 1330.65002, 2016)

“This book … should be on the bookshelf of every software developer. … Each chapter has a nicely composed set of exercises and a well-constructed set of references. The book contains numerous algorithmic examples presented throughout the text in C-like code that is easy to follow, as well as a well-organized index. … Summing Up: Recommended. Upper-division undergraduates, graduate students, researchers/faculty, two-year technical program students, and professionals/practitioners.” (J. Beidler, Choice, Vol.53 (4), December, 2015)

From the Publisher