John Randall wrote: > This corresponds to converting a matrix to Smith normal form over the > integers, versus diagonalizing it over the rationals. I agree that one > might think of this as the difference between 111r333 and 1r3, but it does > not really have to do with computer representation of rationals: it is > more that the integers form a principal ideal domain while the rationals > do not.
Although I got Donna's point, the above is garbled: obviously Z and Q are both PIDs. What I meant to say is: Given an integer matrix, there may be a difference in its Smith normal forms when it is considered as a matrix over Z (which corresponds to the "111r333-:1r3" case) and as a matrix over Q (which corresponds to "111r333-:1r3"). From Donna's description, I believe the problem lies here rather than in representations of rational numbers. Best wishes, John ---------------------------------------------------------------------- For information about J forums see http://www.jsoftware.com/forums.htm
