HOMEWORK PROBLEM 2_9         INTRODUCTION TO Ada II   586.2
   (last homework)


  PURPOSE:      To learn about numerics and error control in Ada.


  END RESULT:   A program that measures several types of numeric
                errors.


  PROBLEM:      Using the attached samples as hints, write
                a procedure that measures the error of the SIN and
                COS range reduction.


  TURN IN:      Printout of compilations, link and execution.


  OBSERVE:      It may be difficult to get a project to specify error
                bounds, but users will notice numeric errors. The usual
                problem is to balance accuracy and speed in order to get
                the job done. If tailoring to the optimum is required
                on each project, then reuse is defeated.

                The obvious mathematical equations are not usually the
                best equations. Two areas to check: 1) is the range of
                values for input or output restricted by the particular
                set of equations?  2) is there unnecessary error
                introduced by the particular set of equations.

  Notes:        Next week is a review plus OOD/OOP topics plus
                a discussion of the Ada software development process. 
                Ask questions about any topic.