fdim - Linux

Overview

fdim is a command used to calculate the positive difference between two decimal floating-point numbers. It is designed for financial computations where maintaining precision is critical.

Syntax

fdim(a, b)

Parameters:

• a: First decimal floating-point number.
• b: Second decimal floating-point number.

Options/Flags

None

Examples

Simple:

• Calculate the positive difference between 10.3 and 5.2:

fdim(10.3, 5.2)

Output:

5.1

Complex:

• Use fdim within a script to calculate the profit margin:

gross_sales=10000
expenses=5000
profit_margin=fdim(gross_sales, expenses)
echo "Profit Margin: $(profit_margin * 100)%"

Common Issues

• Incorrect data type: The input values must be decimal floating-point numbers.
• Negative result: fdim always returns a positive difference.

Integration

fdim can be integrated with other precision-related commands:

• bc: For general-purpose arbitrary-precision calculations.
• perl: For stronger control over floating-point precision using modules like Math::BigFloat.

Related Commands

• dim: Calculates the positive or negative difference between two decimal floating-point numbers.
• adim: Calculates the absolute difference between two decimal floating-point numbers.