Analyzed binary computing

A single format for the representation of numbers in a computer is proposed to accommodate both exact and inexact quantities. A consistent set of rules is described for addition, multiplication and division of such quantities, both within their separate types, as well as in combination. Error correlation aside, the propagation of inherent errors is monitored in operations with at least one imprecise input. As a simple application, extension of the Forsythe algorithm for finding the roots of a quadratic equation is discussed.