Question

(10 points) Assume your computer has five-decimal-digit word length, using a smart strategy to calculate f(10-2) for the function f(x) = ell – X – 1. The answer should have five significant figures and can easily be obtained with pencil and paper. Contrast it with the straightforward evaluation of f(10-2) using e0.01 = 1.0101. (Hint: At every step, only five decimal digits are kept by the computer.)

Answer 1

10^-2=0.01

f(0.01)=e^0.01 - 0.01 - 1

= 1.01010-0.01-1

=1.01010-1.0100

= 0.00010