I do not know how division is performed in numeric quantities for PostgreSQL. However, if the algorithm is being revised, here is a possible outline: 1. Convert to double and perform the division to get an estimate 2. Use Newton's method for division, starting at 30 digits and doubling the digits for each iteration. 3. Stop when you have reached 50% excess digits or so 4. Round to the correct value. Since the computations use smaller significant digits until the last iteration, there is typically a large savings compared to performing all calculations in full precision. So, if the target is 70 digits you will have: ~15 digits precision after the double precision floating point divide 30 digits after one iteration 60 digits after two iterations 120 digits after three iterations Then round to the correct length. See: http://www.azillionmonkeys.com/qed/adiv.html For a short discussion of Newton's method for division. ---------------------------(end of broadcast)--------------------------- TIP 4: Don't 'kill -9' the postmaster
