5^100x represents 5 using an inexact representation and 100 using an exact representation, then converts the 5 into an exact representation, then computes the result exactly.
x: 5^100 represents 5 and 100 using an inexact representation, then computes an approximate result, then converts the approximate result into an inexact representation. As a check, you know that the last digit of 5^n for n>0 has to be 5, so the x:5^100 result can not be the exact result. (The last 2 digits of 5^n for n>1 have to be 25, etc.) ----- Original Message ----- From: Ian Gorse <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> Date: Friday, September 26, 2008 11:49 Subject: [Jprogramming] Difference between 5^100x and x: 5^100 To: [email protected] > Hi, > > Could someone please explain to me what the difference between > these two are? > > 5^100x > 7888609052210118054117285652827862296732064351090230047702789306640625 > x:5^100 > 7888609052210119712064517283480620240950194258216478103781304990433280 > > They both return two difference numbers. I was under the impression > that the x:5^100 was just another representation of performing 5^100x > > What is the actual value of 5^100? ---------------------------------------------------------------------- For information about J forums see http://www.jsoftware.com/forums.htm
