Uploaded March 2014 | Updated September 2026, 2 weeks ago
In this video we'll look at fixed point arithmetic. This is a technique for performing operations on numbers with fractional parts using integers, instead of the more common floating point.
Fixed point has some pretty amazing benefits, depending on how and when it is used. We can use bytes, short ints, ints, or long integers, we can select the precision and range of our variables.
Fixed point is very flexible and (sometimes) very fast. It's extremely good at certain types of tasks, for instance, working with image processing matrices. It can also do some things which floating point cannot, such as exactly represent 1/3 or 1/5.
Fixed point is not a hack, it's a fantastic tool to add to your belt if you've not yet come across it. If you have used fixed point in the past, I hope this tute is a good refresher!
Also, I forgot to mention something in the tute:
The technique I used to get the fractional part of the fixed point number literally gives us the bits that comprise the fractional part of the number. If your number is negative, then they will not be the correct bits if you print the fixed point to screen.
Facebook:
facebook.com/pages/WhatsaCreel/167732956665435
In this video we'll look at fixed point arithmetic. This is a technique for performing operations on numbers with fractional parts using integers, instead of the more common floating point.
Fixed point has some pretty amazing benefits, depending on how and when it is used. We can use bytes, short ints, ints, or long integers, we can select the precision and range of our variables.
Fixed point is very flexible and (sometimes) very fast. It's extremely good at certain types of tasks, for instance, working with image processing matrices. It can also do some things which floating point cannot, such as exactly represent 1/3 or 1/5.
Fixed point is not a hack, it's a fantastic tool to add to your belt if you've not yet come across it. If you have used fixed point in the past, I hope this tute is a good refresher!
Also, I forgot to mention something in the tute:
The technique I used to get the fractional part of the fixed point number literally gives us the bits that comprise the fractional part of the number. If your number is negative, then they will not be the correct bits if you print the fixed point to screen.
Facebook:
facebook.com/pages/WhatsaCreel/167732956665435
