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precision
Format: precision( digits )
Arguments: (int) digits Optional number of
significant digits (1-14)
Returns: (int) Current setting for precision
Description: Precision sets the maximum error tolerated
in approximated primitives integral,
root, and minimize. The time required for
these primitives to converge is highly dependent on the desired
precision. If no argument is supplied, precision returns
the current setting without changing it.
Precision is expressed as the number of significant digits.
That is, the number of digits that contain meaningful
information. For example, if the precision is set to three and an
approximated primitive is solving for PI (3.141592...), the
result will be 3.14--the last digit will never be off by more
than +/-1.
All of the following numbers are expressed to three
significant digits: 12.3, 0.000123,
1.23e-12, 123000. Note that the number of significant
digits is different from the number of decimal places displayed.
Examples: precision(3) = causes
subsequent integral, root, and minimize operations to be carried
out to three significant digits
precision = current setting
for precision
See Also: integral,
root, minimize
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