A survey of exact arithmetic implementations

Abstract

This paper provides a survey of practical systems for exact arithmetic. We describe some of the methods used in their implementation, and suggest reasons for the performance differences displayed by some of the competing systems at this years CCA Exact Arithmetic Competition. Because the practical aspects of the field of exact arithmetic are at an early stage, and many of the systems are prototypes, we have not discussed: portability, user-interfaces, and general usability. It is to be hoped that these aspects might be addressed by participants in any further competitions organised by the CCA committee.