mantissa

n : the positive fractional part of the representation of a

logarithm; in the expression log 643 ◦ 2.808 the mantissa

is .808 [syn: {fixed-point part}]

mantissa

1. The part of a {floating point} number which,

when multiplied by its {radix} raised to the power of its

{exponent}, gives its value. The mantissa may include the

number's sign or this may be considered to be a separate part.

2. The fractional part of a {logarithm}.

(1996-06-15)