A number represeNTation consisting of a maNTissa, M, an exponeNT, E, and an (assumed) radix (or "base") . The number represeNTed is M*R^E where R is the radix - usually ten but sometimes 2. Many differeNT represeNTations are used for the maNTissa and exponeNT themselves. The IEEE specify a standard represeNTation which is used by many hardware floating-poiNT systems. See also floating-poiNT accelerator, floating-poiNT unit. Normalisation is the process of converting a floating poiNT number iNTo canonical form where any number other than zero has a maNTissa whose first digit is non-zero. Opposite: fixed-poiNT. (1995-03-21)
