Math Coprocessors

[Pete Holsberg]

The question came up recently as to whether or not a math coprocessor
would be a useful addition to a UNIX computer system.  One of us said
that it would not unless the programs that were being run used floating
point and/or extended integer arithmetic.  The other said that one will
find relatively few programs which do not do at least SOME floating
point or extended integer math, even if it is not explicitly present in
the program it may be present in a library routine.

Inquiring minds would like to know who is closest to the truth.  Let us
limit the discussion to UNIX systems running with CPUs that do not have
math coprocessors built-in, if you don't mind.

Thanks,
Pete
-- 
Prof. Peter J. Holsberg      Mercer County Community College
Voice: 609-586-4800          Engineering Technology, Computers and Math
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Internet: pjh at mccc.edu	     Trenton Computer Festival -- 4/20-21/91