Definition

Noun: The fixed-point part refers specifically to the positive fractional component in the representation of a logarithm. It is the part of the logarithm that follows the decimal point.

Usage

This term is used in mathematics, particularly in the context of logarithms and numerical representation. It describes the decimal portion of a logarithm's value.

Examples

• In the logarithmic expression log 643 = 2.808, the fixed-point part is .808.
• To find the characteristic and the fixed-point part of a logarithm, separate the integer and fractional components.
• The fixed-point part of a common logarithm is always a positive number less than 1.

Advanced Usage

• In Computing: While historically tied to logarithms, the concept of a "fixed-point" representation is also used in computer science to denote a method of representing real numbers where the decimal point is in a fixed position. In this broader, related context, the "fixed-point part" could refer to the fractional digits of such a number. However, its primary and precise mathematical definition pertains to logarithms.

Variants and Related Words

• Mantissa: This is a direct synonym for fixed-point part in the context of logarithms. The two terms are often used interchangeably.
• Characteristic: This is the related integer part (to the left of the decimal point) of a logarithm. For log 643 = 2.808, the characteristic is 2.

Synonyms

• Mantissa

Related Terms

• Characteristic: The integer part of a logarithm.
• Logarithm: The exponent to which a base must be raised to produce a given number.
• Fractional Part: The part of a number after the decimal point; in the context of logarithms, this is synonymous with the fixed-point part.

Noun

1. the positive fractional part of the representation of a logarithm; in the expression log 643 = 2.808 the mantissa is .808