[Info-vax] VMS Software Q1 '23 Update

[Steven Schweda]

> I am not saying that one is better than the other [...]

   I am.  A reasonable test for approximate equality looks for a "small"
(absolute) difference between two values.  Expecting two extremely close
values to round to the same value is not reasonable.  (That is, it
doesn't always happen.)

   "Equal when rounded" might seem plausible at first glance, but (even)
a little thought would reveal that it's an inferior test (because it
gives goofy results for values close to a round-down/up decision value).


> I think the optimal method depends on the context. And even
> with the last method there is the big question of what is the right
> value for the epsilon - there is no magic right answer. 

   Choosing a good parameter for a good test is important, but choosing
a good parameter for a good test should not be confused with choosing
between a good test and a foolish test.