scope:

This standard speci es basic interval arithmetic (IA) operations selecting and following one of the commonly used mathematical interval models. This standard supports the IEEE 754^TM oating-point formats of practical use in interval computations. Exception conditions are de ned, and standard handling of these conditions is speci ed. Consistency with the interval model is tempered with practical considerations based on input from representatives of vendors, developers and maintainers of existing systems.

The standard provides a layer between the hardware and the programming language levels. It does not mandate that any operations be implemented in hardware. It does not de ne any realization of the basic operations as functions in a programming language.

Purpose

The aim of the standard is to improve the availability of reliable computing in modern hardware and software environments by de ning the basic building blocks needed for performing interval arithmetic. There are presently many systems for interval arithmetic in use; lack of a standard inhibits development, portability, and ability to verify correctness of codes.