Why it matters

Fixed-point wins on deterministic decimal math and embedded systems. Understanding shapes storage and rounding.

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The architecture

Q-notation: Q16.16 = 16 integer + 16 fractional bits.

Add/sub direct; mul/div need shifts.

Overflow risk on multiply.

Fixed-point arithmeticQ-notationQ16.16 etc.Opsadd direct; mul shiftTrade-offno rounding, overflowGames, DSP, embedded; deterministic and fast on integer ALUs
Fixed-point arithmetic.
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How it works end to end

Games use Q formats for physics.

DSP uses Q15/Q31 in codecs.

Money uses scaled cents/mills.