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A bug in SameQ

  • To: mathgroup at smc.vnet.net
  • Subject: [mg23356] A bug in SameQ
  • From: "Ersek, Ted R" <ErsekTR at navair.navy.mil>
  • Date: Thu, 4 May 2000 02:59:23 -0400 (EDT)
  • Sender: owner-wri-mathgroup at wolfram.com

I use Mathematica Version 4.0.1.0 under Windows 98.
For me SameQ gives contradicting results about x1 and x2 (two numbers close
to zero). Certain other platforms probably have the same problem.
-------------------

In[1]:=
x1= $MinMachineNumber;
x2= x1(1+$MachineEpsilon);


In[3]:=
{x1===x2, -x1 === -x2}

Out[3]=
{True, False}


This shows that even the most fundamental features are not completely free
of problems. Also notice Equal uses a different test and doesn't give
contradicting results in this case.

WRI Tech Support already confirmed that this is a bug, so don't bother
forwarding it to them. I certainly hope they will make sure the next version
does this correctly on all platforms!

--------------------
Regards,
Ted Ersek

See my Mathematica tips, tricks at
http://www.verbeia.com/mathematica/tips/Tricks.html



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