[Phys-L] Re: infinite sig. figs.

[Jack Uretsky <jlu@HEP.ANL.GOV>]

Hi all-
        Time sez, re J.D.'s posting:
> I don't see the rationale that every report must be as precise as hum=
> anly possible or it is useless, which seems to be what you are saying=

        I don't think that's what John is saying.
        J.D. can, and no doubt will, speak for himself, but here is a
rationale for limiting precision:

                 I am ordering a rectangular aluminum
plate, 2 cm x2 cm.  My supplier charges according to the tolerance you
allow in your order.  If you specify 2x2 the tolerance is 10% and the
charge is B dollars (base price).  If you specify 2.1x2.1, the tolerance
is +-.05, cm and the price is 2B.  If you specify 2.10x2.10, then the
tolerance is +-.005 cm, and the price is 20 B, and so on.

        Would you send in an order with a lot of "guard" digits?


                                        Regards,
                                                Jack





--
"Trust me.  I have a lot of experience at this."
                General Custer's unremembered message to his men,
                just before leading them into the Little Big Horn Valley
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