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Fixed point number usually allow only 8 bits (32 bit computing) of binary numbers for the fractional portion of the number which means many decimal numbers are recorded inaccurately. Floating Point numbers use exponents to shift the decimal point therefore they can store more accurate fractional values than fixed point numbers. However the CPU will have to perform extra arithmetic to read the number when stored in this format. Fixed point number usually allow only 8 bits (32 bit computing) of binary numbers for the fractional portion of the number which means many decimal numbers are recorded inaccurately. Floating Point numbers use exponents to shift the decimal point therefore they can store more accurate fractional values than fixed point numbers. However the CPU will have to perform extra arithmetic to read the number when stored in this format.

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Q: Benefits of using floating point arithmetic over fixed point arithmetic in CPUs?
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