Definition

Noun: A system for representing numbers in which the position of the radix point (decimal point, binary point, etc.) is predetermined and fixed. This contrasts with floating-point notation, where the point's position can vary.

Usage

This term is used primarily in computing, mathematics, and digital electronics to describe a specific method of numerical representation. It is often discussed in contrast to floating-point representation.

Examples

• Noun:
  • The early digital calculator used fixed-point notation for all its arithmetic operations.
  • For applications where speed is critical and the range of numbers is known, fixed-point notation can be more efficient than floating-point.

Advanced Usage

• "to be in fixed-point notation": Describes data or a value that is encoded using this system.
  • The sensor data is stored in fixed-point notation to simplify the processing algorithm.

Variants and Related Words

• Fixed-point arithmetic (n): The branch of computer arithmetic concerning calculations performed on numbers in fixed-point notation.
  • The digital signal processor is optimized for fixed-point arithmetic.

Synonyms

• Fixed-point representation: A direct synonym.
• Fixed-point number system: A synonym emphasizing the system aspect.

Antonyms

• Floating-point notation: A numeration system where the position of the radix point is not fixed but is indicated by an exponent.

Noun

1. a radix numeration system in which the location of the decimal point is fixed by convention