Having a problem storing signifigant figures in a table.
Basically, I need to be able to store trailing zeros after a decimal point. The number of trailing zeros is variable from record to record.
Example - I need to store the following:
25
25.0
25.1
25.10
25.100
While each of the two groups of numbers are the same value, these extra zero carry meaning contributing to the number's precision. I do know that for the moment, I will not be exceeding three places beyond the decimal and numbers will always be positive and less than 10000.
When storing these as a number, forcing zeros after a decimal point by formatting is not acceptable as this changes the data and not all numbers will have the same degree of accuracy.
I suppose I could store these as text and convert them to numbers when I need to perform calculations; however, I would prefer a number format if possible.
I am looking for any insight on the best way to accomplish this.
More information on significant figures:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Significant_figures
Thanks in advance for you assistance. Adam
Basically, I need to be able to store trailing zeros after a decimal point. The number of trailing zeros is variable from record to record.
Example - I need to store the following:
25
25.0
25.1
25.10
25.100
While each of the two groups of numbers are the same value, these extra zero carry meaning contributing to the number's precision. I do know that for the moment, I will not be exceeding three places beyond the decimal and numbers will always be positive and less than 10000.
When storing these as a number, forcing zeros after a decimal point by formatting is not acceptable as this changes the data and not all numbers will have the same degree of accuracy.
I suppose I could store these as text and convert them to numbers when I need to perform calculations; however, I would prefer a number format if possible.
I am looking for any insight on the best way to accomplish this.
More information on significant figures:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Significant_figures
Thanks in advance for you assistance. Adam
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