Algebra tells us that addition and multiplication are associative operations. Is this true for all the primitive data types in C?

Database System Concepts
7th Edition
ISBN:9780078022159
Author:Abraham Silberschatz Professor, Henry F. Korth, S. Sudarshan
Publisher:Abraham Silberschatz Professor, Henry F. Korth, S. Sudarshan
Chapter1: Introduction
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I think multiplication is a no no but am unsure and would appreciate any guidance
**Associative Property of Primitive Data Types in C**

In algebra, we learn that addition and multiplication are associative operations. This means that for any numbers \( a \), \( b \), and \( c \):

\[ a + (b + c) = (a + b) + c \]
\[ a \times (b \times c) = (a \times b) \times c \]

However, in the context of programming, specifically in the C programming language, we must ask: Is this true for all the primitive data types in C?

When dealing with different primitive data types in C, such as integers, floating-point numbers, and characters, the associativity of addition and multiplication might not hold due to the way these numbers are represented in memory (especially floating-point numbers, where precision errors can occur). Let's deep dive into how and why these properties may or may not hold across various primitive data types in C.
Transcribed Image Text:**Associative Property of Primitive Data Types in C** In algebra, we learn that addition and multiplication are associative operations. This means that for any numbers \( a \), \( b \), and \( c \): \[ a + (b + c) = (a + b) + c \] \[ a \times (b \times c) = (a \times b) \times c \] However, in the context of programming, specifically in the C programming language, we must ask: Is this true for all the primitive data types in C? When dealing with different primitive data types in C, such as integers, floating-point numbers, and characters, the associativity of addition and multiplication might not hold due to the way these numbers are represented in memory (especially floating-point numbers, where precision errors can occur). Let's deep dive into how and why these properties may or may not hold across various primitive data types in C.
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