Calculator Does Not Reliably Subtract Two Numbers in Windows

Article ID: 72540 - View products that this article applies to.
This article was previously published under Q72540
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SYMPTOMS

Microsoft Windows Calculator (CALC.EXE) does not reliably subtract two numbers with decimal values. This problem occurs in both modes (standard and scientific) of Calculator.
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CAUSE

Calculator does not round the decimal values properly. While Calculator is determining how to display the solution, it encounters a loss of precision and shows an incorrect answer.
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RESOLUTION

Windows 3.0

Microsoft has confirmed this to be a problem in Windows 3.0.

Windows 3.1x, Windows for Workgroups 3.1x

To correct this problem in Windows 3.1x and Windows for Workgroups 3.1x, obtain the updated CALC.EXE file from the Microsoft Web site.
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MORE INFORMATION

Steps to Reproduce Problem

  1. Start Calculator.
  2. Input the largest number to subtract first (for example, 12.52).
  3. Press the MINUS SIGN (-) key on the numeric keypad.
  4. Input the smaller number that is one unit lower in the decimal portion (for example, 12.51).
  5. Press the EQUAL SIGN (=) key on the numeric keypad.
Subtracting 12.51 from 12.52 results in one of the following incorrect numbers: 
   0.00
   0.0099999999
   0.010000001
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Properties

Article ID: 72540 - Last Review: September 24, 2011 - Revision: 3.0
APPLIES TO
  • Microsoft Windows 3.0 Standard Edition
  • Microsoft Windows for Workgroups 3.1
  • Microsoft Windows for Workgroups 3.11
Keywords: 
KB72540
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