Task
Create a spreadsheet investigating the level of precision of the spreadsheet application.
Details
Computers store numbers as binary codes. Each binary code is of a definite length, which means numbers can only be held to a specific precision. Excel is no different in this respect. This has very interesting consequences, especially when small numbers are added to large numbers - the large number may not change at all!
Instructions
(a) Create a new spreadsheet, called "Precision.xlsx".
(b) Make up a series of equations that show a small number being added to a progressively larger number, running down a column.
(c) In an adjacent column, subtract the larger number, to see if the smaller number "still exists".
(d) What is the smallest number that does not change when 1 is added to it?
