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Topic: interesting problem -approximation (Read 528 times) |
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puzzlecracker
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interesting problem -approximation
« on: Jan 14th, 2005, 4:30pm » |
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Where are all the GURUS?
I was asked very strange (possibly trivial) problem, can't really recall it completely or accurately, but iI'll try. If someone encountered a comparable one, that would be great for clarifying my ideas.
OK here it is:
The real question to to approximate 1/(8^(12), give a good floating point number -- NO CALCULATOR -SUGGESTIONS, PLEASE
In the beginning, I was asked to approximate x in this equation 10^x= 1/(8^(12) so I said something like -7 or -8, let's call it [alpha], Then, he says: suppose your approximation is equal give 10^[alpha] = 1/(2^20), using this information approximate the original 1/(8^(12), more accurately!
any ideas?
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Icarus
wu::riddles Moderator
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Re: interesting problem -approximation
« Reply #1 on: Jan 14th, 2005, 4:51pm » |
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on Jan 14th, 2005, 4:30pm, puzzlecracker wrote:| ...that would be great for clarifying my ideas. |
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What would really be great is if you would clarify your communication!
Quote:| The real question to to approximate 1/(8^(12), give a good floating point number |
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Easy: 243.0 (you never gave any criteria on how good of an approximation you wanted!  )
Seriously, I assume you mean 8-12. (What's with the 2nd opening parenthesis? you repeated it every time you gave this expression.)
8-12 = 2-36 = 24*2-40 = 16*(1024)-4 [approx] 16 x 10-12 = 1.6 x 10-11.
Quote:| suppose your approximation is equal give 10^[alpha] = 1/(2^20), using this information approximate the original 1/(8^(12), more accurately! |
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I know people from your country have trouble with the English language.  But perhaps you could find someone proficient in it to help you give a more sensible translation?
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"Pi goes on and on and on ...
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I wonder: Which is larger
When their digits are reversed? " - Anonymous
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puzzlecracker
Senior Riddler
Men have become the tools of their tools
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Re: interesting problem -approximation
« Reply #2 on: Jan 14th, 2005, 5:24pm » |
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Listen,
In my country we speak American. But I, on the other, hand, was very irritated about this problem, thereby inadequately trying to describe it at ultra-speed typing (if it can be called so). You, on the other hand, shouldn’t get that offensive, for it was somewhat clear to infer the description.
Your explanation is sublime! Really, the problem is trivial, but was so confused, demn it.
Thanks.
...cracker
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Icarus
wu::riddles Moderator
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Re: interesting problem -approximation
« Reply #3 on: Jan 14th, 2005, 6:02pm » |
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No, it wasn't clear. And it still isn't. I cannot make heads or tails of what you were trying to say in that last paragraph.
I find it frustrating when people post, but make little attempt to make the post understandable. I tried to make a joke of it, and sorry that it offended you. But, please try to say things more clearly. It makes people much more willing to respond if the biggest puzzle isn't trying to guess what was meant.
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"Pi goes on and on and on ...
And e is just as cursed.
I wonder: Which is larger
When their digits are reversed? " - Anonymous
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SWF
Uberpuzzler
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Re: interesting problem -approximation
« Reply #4 on: Jan 14th, 2005, 7:23pm » |
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im srue you don't mind if I type ultrafast too. Normally I'd try to make the equation more readble. This should give some improvment in accuracy over Icarus, but with mroe complxty
16(1024)^(-4)=16(1000+24)^(-4) approx=16(1000^(-4)-4*24*1000^(-5)) approx= 16e-12-16e-11= 1.44e-11
Used first two term of binomial and 4*24 approx= 100
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