On the Distributions of Significant Digits and Roundoff Errors

Generalized logarithmic law is derived for
the distribution of the first t significant digits 
of a random digital integer.  This result is then used
to determine the distribution of the roundoff 
errors in floating-point operations, which is a mixture
of uniform and reciprocal distributions.

CACM May, 1974

Tsao, N.

significant digits, floating-point operations,
roundoff errors, uniform distribution, reciprocal 
distribution, variance, mean valve

5.10 5.11

CA740504 JB January 17, 1978  4:12 PM

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