Marko Vojinovic wrote: > On Sat, Nov 6, 2010 at 8:43 AM, Mogens Kjaer <mk@xxxxxxx> wrote: >>> http://www.kurims.kyoto-u.ac.jp/~ooura/pi_fft.html >>> >>> You'll need RAM to get many digits. >> 1.6 G decimals in 20 hours on a machine with 16G RAM, running >> x86_64 Fedora 12. > > Really, I'm curious, is there any real-world problem where anyone > would actually *need* pi to a G decimal places? I mean, are these kind > of computations actually useful for someone, or is it just a matter of > "we have the power to do it, so let's do it" thing? Other than entry > into the Guinness book of records, that is? Yes, there is. Belated response, I know. There are two important uses for such computations I can think of off the top of my head. First, it's a good test of the functionality of a new machine. When the first new unit runs off the factory floor, this type of lengthy computation with known results is a good test. Second, there are certain theoretical ideas about the distribution of digits in transcendental numbers which can make progress via such lengthy computations. Nobody needs more than about 6 figures for doing any engineering work, however. Mike -- p="p=%c%s%c;main(){printf(p,34,p,34);}";main(){printf(p,34,p,34);} Oppose globalization and One World Governments like the UN. This message made from 100% recycled bits. You have found the bank of Larn. I speak only for myself, and I am unanimous in that! -- users mailing list users@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx To unsubscribe or change subscription options: https://admin.fedoraproject.org/mailman/listinfo/users Guidelines: http://fedoraproject.org/wiki/Mailing_list_guidelines
