Maxima parser and global parameters



Stavros Macrakis wrote:
> 2) use exact notation instead of floating notation for your numbers, e.g.
>
>           block([fpprec:100],
>               bfloat( sqrt(1000000000000000000001*10^-21) ) );
>
> 3) use eval_string or parse_string:
>
> I find (2) the most elegant, but perhaps a little clumsy notationally.
>
> I wonder if it might be useful to define (e.g.) 1.234x23 ('x' for
> exact) to mean precisely the rational number 1234*10^(23-3).
>   
Some time ago, I suggested (in passing) to use 1.234r23 ("r" for 
rational).  I think this (either r or x) would be quite easy to 
implement.  Of course, printing the numbers wouldn't preserve the "r" 
notation.


Ray