index :: math

math.nan

Not a Number, unrepresentable value

available since version: 0.1

---

information

In computing, NaN, standing for not a number, is a numeric data type value representing an undefined or unrepresentable value, especially in floating-point calculations. Systematic use of NaNs was introduced by the IEEE 754 floating-point standard in 1985, along with the representation of other non-finite quantities like infinities. When an operation results in a quiet NaN, there is no indication that anything is unusual until the program checks the result and sees a NaN. That is, computation continues without any signal from the floating point unit (FPU) or library if floating-point is implemented in software. A signalling NaN will produce a signal, usually in the form of exception from the FPU. Whether the exception is thrown depends on the state of the FPU. Note: in Pd float point exceptions are disabled.

properties:

• @type Get/set type of outputed NaN: quiet or signal
  type: symbol
  enum: quiet, signal
  default: quiet
  

• @quiet Get/set alias to @type quiet
  type: alias
  

• @signal Get/set alias to @type signal
  type: alias
  

inlets:

• outputs value
  type: control

outlets:

• output value
  type: control

keywords:

math nan

See also: [math.nan~] [math.inf]

Authors: Serge Poltavsky

License: GPL3 or later