NAME

Math::MPFR - perl interface to the MPFR (floating point) library.

DESCRIPTION

A bigfloat module utilising the MPFR library. Basically
this module simply wraps the 'mpfr' floating point functions
provided by that library. See:
http://www.loria.fr/projets/mpfr/mpfr-current/mpfr.html
Operator overloading is also available.
The following documentation heavily plagiarises the mpfr
documentation.
See also the Math::MPFR test suite for some examples of
usage.

SYNOPSIS

use Math::MPFR qw(:mpfr);

my $str = '.123542@2'; # mantissa = (.)123452
                      # exponent = 2
#Alternatively:
# my $str = '12.3542';

my $base = 10;
my $rnd = GMP_RNDZ; # Rounding mode - can be set to
          # one of GMP_RNDN, GMP_RNDZ, GMP_RNDU,
          # GMP_RNDD or to the corresponding numeric
          # value 0, 1, 2, or 3. See 'ROUNDING MODE'

# Create a Math::MPFR object with precision
# of 100 bits and an initial value of NaN.
my $bn1 = Rmpfr_init2(100);

# Create another Math::MPFR object that holds
# an initial value of NaN and has the default precision.
my $bn2 = Rmpfr_init();

# Create another Math::MPFR object that holds an initial
# value of $str (in base $base) and has the default
# precision. $bn3 is the number. The value of $cmp 
# tells us whether $bn3 is an exact representation of the
# string value, or whether it is less than (or greater 
# than) the string value. See 'COMBINED INITIALISATION AND
# ASSIGNMENT', below.
my ($bn3, $cmp) = Rmpfr_init_set_str($str, $base, $rnd);

# Perform some operations ... see 'FUNCTIONS' below.
# see 'OPERATOR OVERLOADING' below for docs re
# operator overloading

.
.

# print out the value held by $bn1 (in octal):
print Rmpfr_get_str($bn1, 8, 0, $rnd), "\n"; 

# print out the value held by $bn1 (in decimal):
print Rmpfr_get_str($bn1, 10, 0, $rnd), "\n";
# or just make use of overloading :
print $bn1, "\n";

# print out the value held by $bn1 (in base 16) using the
# 'Rmpfr_out_str' function. (No newline is printed.)
Rmpfr_out_str($bn1, 16, 0, $rnd);

ROUNDING MODE

One of 4 values:
 GMP_RNDN (numeric value = 0): Round to nearest.
 GMP_RNDZ (numeric value = 1): Round towards zero.
 GMP_RNDU (numeric value = 2): Round up.
 GMP_RNDD (numeric value = 3): Round down.

 The `round to nearest' mode works as in the IEEE
 P754 standard: in case the number to be rounded
 lies exactly in the middle of two representable 
 numbers, it is rounded to the one with the least
 significant bit set to zero.  For example, the 
 number 5, which is represented by (101) in binary,
 is rounded to (100)=4 with a precision of two bits,
 and not to (110)=6.  This rule avoids the "drift"
 phenomenon mentioned by Knuth in volume 2 of 
 The Art of Computer Programming (section 4.2.2,
 pages 221-222).

 Most Math::MPFR functions take as first argument the
 destination variable, as second and following arguments 
 the input variables, as last argument a rounding mode,
 and have a return value of type `int'. If this value
 is zero, it means that the value stored in the 
 destination variable is the exact result of the 
 corresponding mathematical function. If the
 returned value is positive (resp. negative), it means
 the value stored in the destination variable is greater
 (resp. lower) than the exact result.  For example with 
 the `GMP_RNDU' rounding mode, the returned value is 
 usually positive, except when the result is exact, in
 which case it is zero.  In the case of an infinite
 result, it is considered as inexact when it was
 obtained by overflow, and exact otherwise.  A
 NaN result (Not-a-Number) always corresponds to an
 inexact return value.

MEMORY MANAGEMENT

Objects are created with Rmpfr_init* functions, which
return an object that has been blessed into the 
package Math::MPFR. They will therefore be
automatically cleaned up by the DESTROY()
function whenever they go out of scope.

For each Rmpfr_init* function there is a corresponding function
called Rmpfr_init*_nobless which returns an unblessed object.
If you create Math::MPFR objects using the '_nobless'
versions, it will then be up to you to clean up the memory
associated with these objects by calling Rmpfr_clear($op) 
for each object. Alternatively such objects will be
cleaned up when the script ends. I don't know why you
would want to create unblessed objects. The point is that
you can if you want to.

MIXING GMP OBJECTS WITH MPFR OBJECTS

Some of the Math::MPFR functions below take as arguments
one or more of the GMP types mpz (integer), mpq
(rational) and mpf (floating point). (Such functions are
marked as taking mpz/mpq/mpf arguments.)
For these functions to work you need to have loaded either:

1) Math::GMP from CPAN. (This module provides access to mpz
   objects only - NOT mpf and mpq objects.)

AND/OR

2) The GMP module. This module ships with the GMP source
   distribution. It provides access to all 3 types.
   Win32 binaries of it are available from
   http://www.kalinabears.com.au/w32perl/math_gmp.html

AND/OR

3) Math::GnuMPz (for mpz types), Math::GnuMPq (for mpq types)
   and Math::GnuMPf (for mpf types). These modules (both 
   source code and win32 binaries) are available from 
   http://www.kalinabears.com.au/w32perl/math_gnump.html      

FUNCTIONS

  These next 3 functions are demonstrated above:
  $rop = Rmpfr_init();
  $rop = Rmpfr_init2($p);
  $str = Rmpfr_get_str($op, $base, $digits, $rnd); # 1 < $base < 37 
  The third argument to Rmpfr_get_str() specifies the number
  of digits required to be output. Up to $digits digits
  will be generated.  Trailing zeros are not returned.  No
  more digits than can be accurately represented by OP are
  ever generated.  If $digits is 0 then that accurate
  maximum number of digits are generated.

  The following functions are simply wrappers around an mpfr
  function of the same name. eg. Rmpfr_swap() is a wrapper around
  mpfr_swap().

  "$rop", "$op1", "$op2", etc. are Math::MPFR objects - the
  return value of one of the Rmpfr_init* functions. They are in fact 
  references to mpfr structures. The "$op" variables are the operands
  and "$rop" is the variable that stores the result of the operation.
  Generally, $rop, $op1, $op2, etc. can be the same perl variable 
  referencing the same mpfr structure, though often they will be 
  distinct perl variables referencing distinct mpfr structures.
  Eg something like Rmpfr_add($r1, $r1, $r1, $rnd),
  where $r1 *is* the same reference to the same mpfr structure,
  would add $r1 to itself and store the result in $r1. Alternatively,
  you could (courtesy of operator overloading) simply code it
  as $r1 += $r1. Otoh, Rmpfr_add($r1, $r2, $r3, $rnd), where each of the
  arguments is a different reference to a different mpfr structure
  would add $r2 to $r3 and store the result in $r1. Alternatively
  it could be coded as $r1 = $r2 + $r3.

  "$ui" means any integer that will fit into a C 'unsigned long int',
  which for most of us means that it will be less than 2**32 and
  greater than or equal to zero.

  "$si" means any integer that will fit into a C 'signed long int'.
  which for most of us means that it will be greater than
  -(2**31) and less than 2**31.

  "$double" is a C double.

  "$bool" means a value (usually a 'signed long int') in which
  the only interest is whether it evaluates as false or true.

  "$str" simply means a string of symbols that represent a number,
  eg "1234567890987654321234567@7" which might be a base 10 number,
  or "zsa34760sdfgq123r5@11" which would have to represent a base 36
  number (because "z" is a valid digit only in base 36). Valid
  bases for MPFR numbers are 2 to 36 (inclusive).

  $rnd is simply one of the 4 rounding mode values (discussed above).

  $p is the (unsigned long) value for precision.

  ##############

  ROUNDING MODES

  Rmpfr_set_default_rounding_mode($rnd);
   Sets the default rounding mode to $rnd.
   The default rounding mode is to nearest initially (GMP_RNDN).
   The default rounding mode is the rounding mode that
   is used in overloaded operations.

  $si = Rmpfr_get_default_rounding_mode();
   Returns the numeric value (0, 1, 2 or 3) of the
   current default rounding mode. This will initially be 0.

  $si = Rmpfr_prec_round($rop, $p, $rnd); 
   Rounds $rop according to $rnd with precision $p, which may be
   different from that of $rop.  If $p is greater or equal to the
   precision of $rop, then new space is allocated for the mantissa,
   and it is filled with zeroes.  Otherwise, the mantissa is rounded
   to precision $p with the given direction. In both cases, the
   precision of $rop is changed to $p.  The returned value is zero
   when the result is exact, positive when it is greater than the
   original value of $rop, and negative when it is smaller.  The
   precision $p can be any integer between Rmpfr_min_prec() and
   Rmpfr_max_prec().  

  ##########

  EXCEPTIONS

  $si =  Rmpfr_get_emin();
  $si =  Rmpfr_get_emax();
   Return the (current) smallest and largest exponents
   allowed for a floating-point variable.

  $si = Rmpfr_get_emin_min();
  $si = Rmpfr_get_emin_max();
  $si = Rmpfr_get_emax_min();
  $si = Rmpfr_get_emax_max();
   Return the minimum and maximum of the smallest and largest
   exponents allowed for `mpfr_set_emin' and `mpfr_set_emax'. These
   values are implementation dependent

  $bool =  Rmpfr_set_emin($si);
  $bool =  Rmpfr_set_emax($si);
   Set the smallest and largest exponents allowed for a
   floating-point variable.  Return a non-zero value when $si is not
   in the range of exponents accepted by the implementation (in that
   case the smallest or largest exponent is not changed), and zero
   otherwise. If the user changes the exponent range, it is her/his
   responsibility to check that all current floating-point variables
   are in the new allowed range (for example using `Rmpfr_check_range',
   otherwise the subsequent behaviour will be undefined, in the sense
   of the ISO C standard. 

  $si2 = Rmpfr_check_range($op, $si1, $rnd);
   This function has changed from earlier implementations.
   It now forces $op to be in the current range of acceptable
   values, $si1 the current ternary value: negative if $op is
   smaller than the exact value, positive if $op is larger than the
   exact value and zero if $op is exact (before the call). It generates
   an underflow or an overflow if the exponent of $op is outside the
   current allowed range; the value of $si1 may be used to avoid a
   double rounding. This function returns zero if the rounded result
   is equal to the exact one, a positive value if the rounded result
   is larger than the exact one, a negative value if the rounded
   result is smaller than the exact one. Note that unlike most
   functions, the result is compared to the exact one, not the input
   value $op, i.e. the ternary value is propagated.

  Rmpfr_clear_underflow();
  Rmpfr_clear_overflow();
  Rmpfr_clear_nanflag();
  Rmpfr_clear_inexflag();
  Rmpfr_clear_erangeflag()
   Clear the underflow, overflow, invalid, inexact and erange flags.

  Rmpfr_clear_flags();
   Clear all global flags (underflow, overflow, inexact, invalid,
   and erange).

  $bool = Rmpfr_underflow_p();
  $bool = Rmpfr_overflow_p();
  $bool = Rmpfr_nanflag_p();
  $bool = Rmpfr_inexflag_p();
  $bool = Rmpfr_erangeflag_p();
   Return the corresponding (underflow, overflow, invalid, inexact
   or erange) flag, which is non-zero iff the flag is set.

  ##############

  INITIALIZATION

  Normally, a variable should be initialized once only or at least be
  cleared, using `Rmpfr_clear', between initializations.
  'DESTROY' (which calls 'Rmpfr_clear') is automatically called on 
  blessed objects whenever they go out of scope.

  First read the section 'MEMORY MANAGEMENT' (above).

  Rmpfr_set_default_prec($p);
   Set the default precision to be *exactly* $p bits.  The
   precision of a variable means the number of bits used to store its
   mantissa.  All subsequent calls to `mpfr_init' will use this
   precision, but previously initialized variables are unaffected.
   This default precision is set to 53 bits initially.  The precision
   can be any integer between Rmpfr_min_prec() and Rmpfr_max_prec().

  $ui = Rmpfr_get_default_prec();
   Returns the default MPFR precision in bits.

  $rop = Rmpfr_init();
  $rop = Rmpfr_init_nobless();
   Initialize $rop, and set its value to NaN. The precision 
   of $rop is the default precision, which can be changed
   by a call to `Rmpfr_set_default_prec'.

  $rop = Rmpfr_init2($p);
  $rop = Rmpfr_init2_nobless($p);
   Initialize $rop, set its precision to be *exactly* $p bits,
   and set its value to NaN.  To change the precision of a
   variable which has already been initialized,
   use `Rmpfr_set_prec' instead.  The precision PREC can be
   any integer between Rmpfr_min_prec() andRmpfr_max_prec().

  Rmpfr_set_prec($op, $p);
   Reset the precision of $op to be *exactly* $p bits.
   The previous value stored in $op is lost.  The precision
   $p can be any integer between Rmpfr_min_prec() and
   Rmpfr_max_prec(). If you want to keep the previous
   value stored in $op, use 'Rmpfr_prec_round' instead.

  $ui = Rmpfr_get_prec($op);
   Return the precision actually used for assignments of $op,
  i.e. the number of bits used to store its mantissa.

  Rmpfr_set_prec_raw($rop, $p);
   Reset the precision of $rop to be *exactly* $p bits.  The only
   difference with `mpfr_set_prec' is that $p is assumed to be small
   enough so that the mantissa fits into the current allocated
   memory space for $rop. Otherwise an error will occur.

  $minimum_precision = Rmpfr_min_prec();
  $maximum_precision = Rmpfr_max_prec();
   Returns the minimum/maximum allowed precision

  ##########

  ASSIGNMENT

  $si = Rmpfr_set($rop, $op, $rnd);
  $si = Rmpfr_set_ui($rop, $ui, $rnd);
  $si = Rmpfr_set_si($rop, $si, $rnd);
  $si = Rmpfr_set_d($rop, $double, $rnd);
  $si = Rmpfr_set_z($rop, $z, $rnd); # $z is a mpz object.
  $si = Rmpfr_set_q($rop, $q, $rnd); # $q is a mpq object.
  $si = Rmpfr_set_f($rop, $f, $rnd); # $f is a mpf object.
   Set the value of $rop from 2nd arg, rounded to the precision of
   $rop towards the given direction $rnd.  Please note that even a 
   'long int' may have to be rounded if the destination precision
   is less than the machine word width.  The return value is zero
   when $rop=2nd arg, positive when $rop>2nd arg, and negative when 
   $rop<2nd arg.  For `mpfr_set_d', be careful that the input
   number $double may not be exactly representable as a double-precision
   number (this happens for 0.1 for instance), in which case it is
   first rounded by the C compiler to a double-precision number,
   and then only to a mpfr floating-point number.

  $si = Rmpfr_set_ui_2exp($rop, $ui, $exp, $rnd);
  $si = Rmpfr_set_si_2exp($rop, $si1, $exp, $rnd);
   Set the value of $rop from the 2nd arg multiplied by two to the
   power $exp, rounded towards the given direction $rnd.  Note that
   the input 0 is converted to +0.

  $si = Rmpfr_set_str($rop, $str, $base, $rnd);
   Set $rop to the value of $str in base $base (between 2 and
   36), rounded in direction $rnd to the precision of $rop. 
   The exponent is read in decimal.  This function returns 0 if
   the entire string is a valid number in base $base. otherwise
   it returns -1.

  Rmpfr_set_str_binary($rop, $str);
   Set $rop to the value of the binary number in $str, which has to
   be of the form +/-xxxx.xxxxxxEyy. The exponent is read in decimal,
   but is interpreted as the power of two to be multiplied by the
   mantissa.  The mantissa length of $str has to be less or equal to
   the precision of $rop, otherwise an error occurs.  If $str starts
   with `N', it is interpreted as NaN (Not-a-Number); if it starts
   with `I' after the sign, it is interpreted as infinity, with the
   corresponding sign.

  Rmpfr_set_inf($rop, $si);
  Rmpfr_set_nan($rop);
   Set the variable $rop to infinity or NaN (Not-a-Number) respectively.
   In `mpfr_set_inf', $rop is set to plus infinity iff $si is positive.

  Rmpfr_swap($op1, $op2); 
   Swap the values $op1 and $op2 efficiently. Warning: the precisions
   are exchanged too; in case the precisions are different, `mpfr_swap'
   is thus not equivalent to three `mpfr_set' calls using a third
   auxiliary variable.

  ################################################

  COMBINED INITIALIZATION AND ASSIGNMENT

  NOTE: Do NOT use these functions if $rop has already
  been initialised. Use the Rmpfr_set* functions in the
  section 'ASSIGNMENT' (above).

  First read the section 'MEMORY MANAGEMENT' (above).

  ($rop, $si) = Rmpfr_init_set($op, $rnd);
  ($rop, $si) = Rmpfr_init_set_nobless($op, $rnd);
  ($rop, $si) = Rmpfr_init_set_ui($ui, $rnd);
  ($rop, $si) = Rmpfr_init_set_ui_nobless($ui, $rnd);
  ($rop, $si) = Rmpfr_init_set_si($si, $rnd);
  ($rop, $si) = Rmpfr_init_set_si_nobless($si, $rnd);
  ($rop, $si) = Rmpfr_init_set_d($double, $rnd);
  ($rop, $si) = Rmpfr_init_set_d_nobless($double, $rnd);
  ($rop, $si) = Rmpfr_init_set_f($f, $rnd);# $f is a mpf object
  ($rop, $si) = Rmpfr_init_set_f_nobless($f, $rnd);# $f is a mpf object
  ($rop, $si) = Rmpfr_init_set_z($z, $rnd);# $z is a mpz object
  ($rop, $si) = Rmpfr_init_set_z_nobless($z, $rnd);# $z is a mpz object
  ($rop, $si) = Rmpfr_init_set_q($q, $rnd);# $q is a mpq object
  ($rop, $si) = Rmpfr_init_set_q_nobless($q, $rnd);# $q is a mpq object
   Initialize $rop and set its value from the 1st arg, rounded to
   direction $rnd. The precision of $rop will be taken from the
   active default precision, as set by `Rmpfr_set_default_prec'.
   If $rop = 1st arg, $si is zero. If $rop > 1st arg, $si is positive.
   If $rop < 1st arg, $si is negative.

  ($rop, $si) = Rmpfr_init_set_str($str, $base, $rnd);
  ($rop, $si) = Rmpfr_init_set_str_nobless($str, $base, $rnd);
    Initialize $rop and set its value from $str in base $base,
    rounded to direction $rnd.  See `Rmpfr_set_str'.

  ##########
 
  CONVERSION

  $str = Rmpfr_get_str($r, $base, $digits, $rnd); 
   Returns a string of the form, eg, '.83456712@3'
   which means '834.56712'.
   The third argument to Rmpfr_get_str() specifies the number
   of digits required to be output. Up to $digits digits
   will be generated.  Trailing zeros are not returned.  No
   more digits than can be accurately represented by OP are
   ever generated.  If $digits is 0 then that accurate
   maximum number of digits are generated.

  $double = Rmpfr_get_d($op, $rnd);
   Convert $op to a double, using the rounding mode $rnd.

  $double = Rmpfr_get_d1($op);
   Convert $op to a double, using the default MPFR rounding mode
   (see function `mpfr_set_default_rounding_mode').

  $ui = Rmpfr_get_z_exp($z, $op); # $z is a mpz object
   Puts the mantissa of $rop into $z, and returns the exponent 
   $ui such that $rop equals $z multiplied by two exponent $ui.

  Rmpfr_get_z($z, $op, $rnd); # $z is a mpz object.
   Convert $op to an mpz object ($z), after rounding it with respect
   to RND. If $op is NaN or Inf, the result is undefined.

  ##########

  ARITHMETIC

  $si = Rmpfr_add($rop, $op1, $op2, $rnd);
  $si = Rmpfr_add_ui($rop, $op, $ui, $rnd);
  $si = Rmpfr_add_z($rop, $op, $z, $rnd); # $z is a mpz object.
  $si = Rmpfr_add_q($rop, $op, $q, $rnd); # $q is a mpq object.
   Set $rop to 2nd arg + 3rd arg rounded in the direction $rnd.
   The return  value is zero if $rop is exactly 2nd arg + 3rd arg,
   positive if $rop is larger than 2nd arg + 3rd arg, and negative
   if $rop is smaller than 2nd arg + 3rd arg.

  $si = Rmpfr_sub($rop, $op1, $op2, $rnd);
  $si = Rmpfr_sub_ui($rop, $op, $ui, $rnd);
  $si = Rmpfr_sub_z($rop, $op, $z, $rnd); # $z is a mpz object.
  $si = Rmpfr_sub_q($rop, $op, $q, $rnd); # $q is a mpq object.
  $si = Rmpfr_ui_sub($rop, $ui, $op, $rnd);
  $si = Rmpfr_si_sub($rop, $si1, $op, $rnd);
  $si = Rmpfr_sub_si($rop, $op, $si1, $rnd);
   Set $rop to 2nd arg - 3rd arg rounded in the direction $rnd.
   The return value is zero if $rop is exactly 2nd arg - 3rd arg,
   positive if $rop is larger than 2nd arg - 3rd arg, and negative
   if $rop is smaller than 2nd arg - 3rd arg.

  $si = Rmpfr_mul($rop, $op1, $op2, $rnd);
  $si = Rmpfr_mul_ui($rop, $op, $ui, $rnd);
  $si = Rmpfr_mul_si($rop, $op, $si1, $rnd);
  $si = Rmpfr_mul_z($rop, $op, $z, $rnd); # $z is a mpz object.
  $si = Rmpfr_mul_q($rop, $op, $q, $rnd); # $q is a mpq object.
   Set $rop to 2nd arg * 3rd arg rounded in the direction $rnd.
   Return 0 if the result is exact, a positive value if $rop is 
   greater than 2nd arg times 3rd arg, a negative value otherwise.

  $si = Rmpfr_div($rop, $op1, $op2, $rnd);
  $si = Rmpfr_div_ui($rop, $op, $ui, $rnd);
  $si = Rmpfr_div_si($rop, $op, $si1, $rnd);
  $si = Rmpfr_si_div($rop, $si1, $op, $rnd);
  $si = Rmpfr_div_z($rop, $op, $z, $rnd); # $z is a mpz object.
  $si = Rmpfr_div_q($rop, $op, $q, $rnd); # $q is a mpq object.
  $si = Rmpfr_ui_div($rop, $ui, $op, $rnd);
   Set $rop to 2nd arg / 3rd arg rounded in the direction $rnd. 
   These functions return 0 if the division is exact, a positive
   value when $rop is larger than 2nd arg divided by 3rd arg,
   and a negative value otherwise.

  $si = Rmpfr_sqr($rop, $op, $rnd);
   Set $rop to the square of $op, rounded in direction $rnd.

  $bool = Rmpfr_sqrt($rop, $op, $rnd);
  $bool = Rmpfr_sqrt_ui($rop, $ui, $rnd);
   Set $rop to the square root of the 2nd arg rounded in the
   direction $rnd. Set $rop to NaN if 2nd arg is negative.
   Return 0 if the operation is exact, a non-zero value otherwise.

  $bool = Rmpfr_cbrt($rop, $op, $rnd);
   Set $rop to the cubic root (defined over the real numbers)
   of $op, rounded in the direction $rnd.

  $bool = Rmpfr_pow_ui($rop, $op, $ui, $rnd);
  $bool = Rmpfr_ui_pow_ui($rop, $ui, $ui, $rnd);
   Set $rop to 2nd arg raised to 3rd arg. The computation is done
   by binary exponentiation.  Return 0 if the result is exact,
   a non-zero value otherwise (but the sign of the return value
   has no meaning).

  $si = Rmpfr_ui_pow($rop, $ui, $op, $rnd);
   Set $rop to 2nd arg raised to 3rd arg, rounded to the directio
   $rnd with the precision of $rop.  Return zero iff the result is
   exact, a positive value when the result is greater than 2nd arg
   to the power 3rd arg, and a negative value when it is smaller.

  $bool = Rmpfr_pow_si($rop, $op, $si, $rnd);
   Set $rop to 2nd arg raised to the power 3rd arg, rounded to 
   the direction $rnd with the precision of $rop.  Return zero
   iff the result is exact.

  $bool = Rmpfr_pow($rop, $op1, $op2, $rnd);
   Set $rop to 2nd arg raised to the power 3rd arg, rounded to
   the direction $rnd with the precision of $rop.  If 2nd arg
   is negative then $rop is set to NaN, even if 3rd arg is an
   integer.  Return zero iff the result is exact.

  $si = Rmpfr_neg($rop, $op, $rnd);
   Set $rop to -$op rounded in the direction $rnd. Just
   changes the sign if $rop and $op are the same variable.

  $si = Rmpfr_abs($rop, $op, $rnd);
   Set $rop to the absolute value of $op, rounded in the direction
   $rnd. Return 0 if the result is exact, a positive value if ROP
   is larger than the absolute value of $op, and a negative value 
   otherwise.

  $si = Rmpfr_mul_2exp($rop, $op, $ui, $rnd);
  $si = Rmpfr_mul_2ui($rop, $op, $ui, $rnd);
  $si = Rmpfr_mul_2si($rop, $op, $si, $rnd);
   Set $rop to 2nd arg times 2 raised to 3rd arg rounded to the
   direction $rnd. Just increases the exponent by 3rd arg when
   $rop and 2nd arg are identical. Return zero when $rop = 2nd
   arg, a positive value when $rop > 2nd arg, and a negative
   value when $rop < 2nd arg.  Note: The `Rmpfr_mul_2exp' function
   is defined for compatibility reasons; you should use
   `Rmpfr_mul_2ui' (or `Rmpfr_mul_2si') instead.

  $si = Rmpfr_div_2exp($rop, $op, $ui, $rnd);
  $si = Rmpfr_div_2ui($rop, $op, $ui, $rnd);
  $si = Rmpfr_div_2si($rop, $op, $si, $rnd);
   Set $rop to 2nd arg divided by 2 raised to 3rd arg rounded to
   the direction $rnd. Just decreases the exponent by 3rd arg
   when $rop and 2nd arg are identical.  Return zero when 
   $rop = 2nd arg, a positive value when $rop > 2nd arg, and a
   negative value when $rop < 2nd arg.  Note: The `Rmpfr_div_2exp'
   function is defined for compatibility reasons; you should
   use `Rmpfr_div_2ui' (or `Rmpfr_div_2si') instead.

  ##########
    
  COMPARISON

  $si = Rmpfr_cmp($op1, $op2);
  $si = Rmpfr_cmpabs($op1, $op2);
  $si = Rmpfr_cmp_ui($op, $ui);
  $si = Rmpfr_cmp_si($op, $si);
  $si = Rmpfr_cmp_z($op, $z); # $z is a mpz object
  $si = Rmpfr_cmp_q($op, $q); # $q is a mpq object
  $si = Rmpfr_cmp_f($op, $f); # $f is a mpf object
   Compare 1st and 2nd args. In the case of 'Rmpfr_cmpabs()'
   compare the absolute values of the 2 args.  Return a positive
   value if 1st arg > 2nd arg, zero if 1st arg = 2nd arg, and a 
   negative value if 1st arg < 2nd arg.  Both args are considered
   to their full own precision, which may differ. In case 1st and 
   2nd args are of same sign but different, the absolute value 
   returned is one plus the absolute difference of their exponents.
   If one of the operands is NaN (Not-a-Number), return zero 
   and set the erange flag.


  $si = Rmpfr_cmp_ui_2exp($op, $ui, $si);
  $si = Rmpfr_cmp_si_2exp($op, $si, $si);
   Compare 1st arg and 2nd arg multiplied by two to the power 
   3rd arg.

  $bool = Rmpfr_eq($op1, $op2, $ui);
   Return non-zero if the first $ui bits of $op1 and $op2 are
   equal, zero otherwise.  I.e., tests if $op1 and $op2 are 
   approximately equal.

  $bool = Rmpfr_nan_p($op);
   Return non-zero if $op is Not-a-Number (NaN), zero otherwise.

  $bool = Rmpfr_inf_p($op);
   Return non-zero if $op is plus or minus infinity, zero otherwise.

  $bool = Rmpfr_number_p($op);
   Return non-zero if $op is an ordinary number, i.e. neither
   Not-a-Number nor plus or minus infinity.

  $bool = Rmpfr_zero_p($op);
   Return non-zero if $op is zero. Else return 0.

  Rmpfr_reldiff($rop, $op1, $op2, $rnd);
   Compute the relative difference between $op1 and $op2 and 
   store the result in $rop.  This function does not guarantee
   the exact rounding on the relative difference; it just
   computes abs($op1-$op2)/$op1, using the rounding mode
   $rnd for all operations.

  $si = Rmpfr_sgn($op);
   Return a positive value if op > 0, zero if $op = 0, and a
   negative value if $op < 0.  Its result is not specified
   when $op is NaN (Not-a-Number).

  $bool = Rmpfr_greater_p($op1, $op2);
   Return non-zero if $op1 > $op2, zero otherwise.

  $bool = Rmpfr_greaterequal_p($op1, $op2);
   Return non-zero if $op1 >= $op2, zero otherwise.

  $bool = Rmpfr_less_p($op1, $op2);
   Return non-zero if $op1 < $op2, zero otherwise.

  $bool = Rmpfr_lessequal_p($op1, $op2);
   Return non-zero if $op1 <= $op2, zero otherwise.

  $bool = Rmpfr_lessgreater_p($op1, $op2);
   Return non-zero if $op1 < $op2 or $op1 > $op2 (i.e. neither
   $op1, nor $op2 is NaN, and $op1 <> $op2), zero otherwise
   (i.e. $op1 and/or $op2 are NaN, or $op1 = $op2).

  $bool = Rmpfr_equal_p($op1, $op2);
   Return non-zero if $op1 = $op2, zero otherwise
   (i.e. $op1 and/or $op2 are NaN, or $op1 <> $op2).

  $bool = Rmpfr_unordered_p($op1, $op2);
    Return non-zero if $op1 or $op2 is a NaN
    (i.e. they cannot be compared), zero otherwise.

  #######

  SPECIAL

  $si = Rmpfr_log($rop, $op, $rnd);
   Set $rop to the natural logarithm of $op, rounded to the
   direction $rnd with the precision of $rop.  Return zero when
   the result is exact (this occurs in fact only when $op is 0,
   1, or +infinity) and a non-zero value otherwise (except for
   rounding to nearest, the sign of the return value is that
   of $rop-log($op).

  $si = Rmpfr_exp($rop, $op, $rnd);
   Set $rop to the exponential of $op, rounded to the direction
   $rnd with the precision of $rop.  Return zero when the result
   is exact (this occurs in fact only when $op is -infinity, 0,
   or +infinity), a positive value when the result is greater 
   than the exponential of $op, and a negative value when it is
   smaller.

  $si = Rmpfr_exp2($rop, $op, $rnd);
   Set $rop to 2 power of $op, rounded to the direction $rnd with
   the precision of $rop.  Return zero iff the result is exact
   (this occurs in fact only when OP is -infinity, 0, or
   +infinity), a positive value when the result is greater than
   the exponential of $op, and a negative value when it is smaller.

  $bool = Rmpfr_sin($rop $op, $rnd);
  $bool = Rmpfr_cos($rop, $op, $rnd);
  $bool = Rmpfr_tan($rop, $op, $rnd);
   Set $rop to the sine/cosine/tangent respectively of $op,
   rounded to the direction $rnd with the precision of $rop.
   Return 0 iff the result is exact (this occurs in fact only
   when $op is 0 i.e. the sine is 0, the cosine is 1, and the
   tangent is 0).

  $bool = Rmpfr_sin_cos($rop1, $rop2, $op, $rnd);
   Set simultaneously $rop1 to the sine of $op and
   $rop2 to the cosine of $op, rounded to the direction $rnd
   with their corresponding precisions.  Return 0 iff both
   results are exact.

  $bool = Rmpfr_acos($rop, $op, $rnd);
  $bool = Rmpfr_asin($rop, $op, $rnd);
  $bool = Rmpfr_atan($rop, $op, $rnd);
   Set $rop to the arc-cosine, arc-sine or arc-tangent of $op,
   rounded to the direction $rnd with the precision of $rop.
   Return 0 iff the result is exact.

  $bool = Rmpfr_cosh($rop, $op, $rnd);
  $bool = Rmpfr_sinh($rop, $op, $rnd);
  $bool = Rmpfr_tanh($rop, $op, $rnd);
   Set $rop to the hyperbolic cosine/hyperbolic sine/hyperbolic
   tangent respectively of $op, rounded to the direction $rnd
   with the precision of $rop.  Return 0 iff the result is exact
   (this occurs in fact only when OP is 0 i.e. the result is 1).

  $bool = Rmpfr_acosh($rop, $op, $rnd);
  $bool = Rmpfr_asinh($rop, $op, $rnd);
  $bool = Rmpfr_atanh($rop, $op, $rnd);
   Set $rop to the inverse hyperbolic cosine, sine or tangent
   of $op, rounded to the direction $rnd with the precision of
   $rop.  Return 0 iff the result is exact.

  $bool = Rmpfr_fac_ui($rop, $ui, $rnd);
   Set $rop to the factorial of $ui, rounded to the direction
   $rnd with the precision of $rop.  Return 0 iff the
   result is exact.

  $bool = Rmpfr_log1p($rop, $op, $rnd);
   Set $rop to the logarithm of one plus $op, rounded to the
   direction $rnd with the precision of $rop.  Return 0 iff 
   the result is exact (this occurs in fact only when OP is 0
   i.e. the result is 0).

  $bool = Rmpfr_expm1($rop, $op, $rnd);
   Set $rop to the exponential of $op minus one, rounded to the
   direction $rnd with the precision of $rop.  Return 0 iff the
   result is exact (this occurs in fact only when OP is 0 i.e
   the result is 0).

  $bool = Rmpfr_log2($rop, $op, $rnd);
  $bool = Rmpfr_log10($rop, $op, $rnd);
   Set $rop to the log[t] (t=2 or 10)(log x / log t) of $op,
   rounded to the direction $rnd with the precision of $rop.
   Return 0 iff the result is exact (this occurs in fact 
   only when $op is 1 i.e. the result is 0).

  $bool = Rmpfr_fma($rop, $op1, $op2, $op3, $rnd);
   Set $rop to $op1 * $op2 + $op3, rounded to the direction
   $rnd with the precision of $rop. Return 0 iff the result
   is exact, a positive value if $rop is larger than
   $op1 * $op2 + $op3, and a negative value otherwise.

  $si = Rmpfr_agm($rop, $op1, $op2, $rnd);
   Set $rop to the arithmetic-geometric mean of $op1 and $op2,
   rounded to the direction $rnd with the precision of $rop.
   Return zero if $rop is exact, a positive value if $rop is
   larger than the exact value, or a negative value if $rop 
   is less than the exact value.

  $si = Rmpfr_const_log2($rop, $rnd);
   Set $rop to the logarithm of 2 rounded to the direction
   $rnd with the precision of $rop. This function stores the
   computed value to avoid another calculation if a lower or
   equal precision is requested.
   Return zero if $rop is exact, a positive value if $rop is
   larger than the exact value, or a negative value if $rop 
   is less than the exact value.

  $si = Rmpfr_const_pi($rop, $rnd);
   Set $rop to the value of Pi rounded to the direction $rnd
   with the precision of $rop. This function uses the Borwein,
   Borwein, Plouffe formula which directly gives the expansion
   of Pi in base 16.
   Return zero if $rop is exact, a positive value if $rop is
   larger than the exact value, or a negative value if $rop 
   is less than the exact value.

  $si = Rmpfr_const_euler($rop, $rnd);
   Set $rop to the value of Euler's constant 0.577...  rounded
   to the direction $rnd with the precision of $rop.
   Return zero if $rop is exact, a positive value if $rop is
   larger than the exact value, or a negative value if $rop 
   is less than the exact value.

  Rmpfr_free_cache();
   Free the cache used by the functions computing constants if
   needed (currently `mpfr_const_log2', `mpfr_const_pi' and
   `mpfr_const_euler').

  $si = Rmpfr_gamma($rop, $op, $rnd);
   Set $rop to the value of the Gamma function on $op, rounded
   to the direction $rnd. Return zero if $rop is exact, a
   positive value if $rop is larger than the exact value, or a
   negative value if $rop is less than the exact value.

  $si = Rmpfr_zeta($rop, $op, $rnd);
   Set $rop to the value of the Riemann Zeta function on $op,
   rounded to the direction $rnd. Return zero if $rop is exact,
   a positive value if $rop is larger than the exact value, or
   a negative value if $rop is less than the exact value.

  $si = Rmpfr_erf($rop, $op, $rnd);
   Set $rop to the value of the error function on $op,
   rounded to the direction $rnd. Return zero if $rop is exact,
   a positive value if $rop is larger than the exact value, or
   a negative value if $rop is less than the exact value.

  #############

  I-O FUNCTIONS

  $ui = Rmpfr_out_str($op, $base, $digits, $round);
   Output $op to STDOUT, as a string of digits in base $base,
   rounded in direction $round.  The base may vary from 2 to 36.
   Print $digits significant digits exactly, or if $digits is 0,
   the maximum number of digits accurately representable by $op
   (this feature may disappear). In addition to the significant
   digits, a decimal point at the right of the first digit and a
   trailing exponent in base 10, in the form `eNNN', are printed
   If $base is greater than 10, `@' will be used instead of `e'
   as exponent delimiter. Return the number of bytes written, or
   if an error occurred, return 0.

  $ui = Rmpfr_inp_str($rop, $base, $round);
   Input a string in base $base from STDIN, rounded in
   direction $round, and put the read float in $rop.  The string
   is of the form `M@N' or, if the base is 10 or less, alternatively
   `MeN' or `MEN', or, if the base is 16, alternatively `MpB' or
   `MPB'. `M' is the mantissa in the specified base, `N' is the 
   exponent written in decimal for the specified base, and in base 16,
   `B' is the binary exponent written in decimal (i.e. it indicates
   the power of 2 by which the mantissa is to be scaled).
   The argument $base may be in the range 2 to 36.
   Special values can be read as follows (the case does not matter):
   `@NaN@', `@Inf@', `+@Inf@' and `-@Inf@', possibly followed by
   other characters; if the base is smaller or equal to 16, the
   following strings are accepted too: `NaN', `Inf', `+Inf' and
   `-Inf'.
   Return the number of bytes read, or if an error occurred, return 0.

  Rmpfr_print_binary($op);
   Output $op on stdout in raw binary format (the exponent is in
   decimal, yet).

  Rmpfr_dump($op);
   Output "$op\n" on stdout in base 2.
   As with 'Rmpfr_print_binary' the exponent is in base 10.

  #############

  MISCELLANEOUS

  $MPFR_version = Rmpfr_get_version();
   Returns the version of the MPFR library (eg 2.1.0).

  $GMP_version = Math::MPFR::gmp_v();
   Returns the version of the GMP library (eg. 4.1.3).
   The function is not exportable.

  $si = Rmpfr_rint($rop, $op, $rnd);
  $si = Rmpfr_ceil($rop, $op);
  $si = Rmpfr_floor($rop, $op);
  $si = Rmpfr_round($rop, $op);
  $si = Rmpfr_trunc($rop, $op);
   Set $rop to $op rounded to an integer. `Rmpfr_ceil' rounds to the
   next higher representable integer, `Rmpfr_floor' to the next lower,
   `Rmpfr_round' to the nearest representable integer, rounding
   halfway cases away from zero, and `Rmpfr_trunc' to the
   representable integer towards zero. `Rmpfr_rint' behaves like one
   of these four functions, depending on the rounding mode.  The
   returned value is zero when the result is exact, positive when it
   is greater than the original value of $op, and negative when it is
   smaller.  More precisely, the returned value is 0 when $op is an
   integer representable in $rop, 1 or -1 when $op is an integer that
   is not representable in $rop, 2 or -2 when $op is not an integer.

   $si = Rmpfr_rint_ceil($rop, $op, $rnd);
   $si = Rmpfr_rint_floor($rop, $op, $rnd);
   $si = Rmpfr_rint_round($rop, $op, $rnd);
   $si = Rmpfr_rint_trunc($rop, $op, $rnd):
    Set $rop to $op rounded to an integer. `Rmpfr_rint_ceil' rounds to
    the next higher or equal integer, `Rmpfr_rint_floor' to the next
    lower or equal integer, `Rmpfr_rint_round' to the nearest integer,
    rounding halfway cases away from zero, and `Rmpfr_rint_trunc' to
    the next integer towards zero.  If the result is not
    representable, it is rounded in the direction $rnd. The returned
    value is the ternary value associated with the considered
    round-to-integer function (regarded in the same way as any other
    mathematical function).

  $si = Rmpfr_frac($rop, $op, $round);
   Set $rop to the fractional part of OP, having the same sign as $op,
   rounded in the direction $round (unlike in `mpfr_rint', $round
   affects only how the exact fractional part is rounded, not how
   the fractional part is generated).

  $si = Rmpfr_integer_p($op);
   Return non-zero iff $op is an integer.

  Rmpfr_nexttoward($op1, $op2);
   If $op1 or $op2 is NaN, set $op1 to NaN. Otherwise, if $op1 is 
   different from $op2, replace $op1 by the next floating-point number
   (with the precision of $op1 and the current exponent range) in the 
   direction of $op2, if there is one (the infinite values are seen as
   the smallest and largest floating-point numbers). If the result is
   zero, it keeps the same sign. No underflow or overflow is generated.

  Rmpfr_nextabove($op1);
   Equivalent to `mpfr_nexttoward' where $op2 is plus infinity.

  Rmpfr_nextbelow($op1);
   Equivalent to `mpfr_nexttoward' where $op2 is minus infinity.

  $si = Rmpfr_min($rop, $op1, $op2, $round);
   Set $rop to the minimum of $op1 and $op2. If $op1 and $op2
   are both NaN, then $rop is set to NaN. If $op1 or $op2 is 
   NaN, then $rop is set to the numeric value. If $op1 and
   $op2 are zeros of different signs, then $rop is set to -0.

  $si = Rmpfr_max($rop, $op1, $op2, $round);
    Set $rop to the maximum of $op1 and $op2. If $op1 and $op2
   are both NaN, then $rop is set to NaN. If $op1 or $op2 is
   NaN, then $rop is set to the numeric value. If $op1 and 
   $op2 are zeros of different signs, then $rop is set to +0.

  ##############

  RANDOM NUMBERS

  Rmpfr_urandomb(@r, $state);
   Each member of @r is a Math::MPFR object.
   $state is a reference to a gmp_randstate_t structure.
   Set each member of @r to a uniformly distributed random
   float in the interval 0 <= $_ < 1. 
   Before using this function you must first create $state
   by calling one of the 3 Rgmp_randinit functions, then
   seed $state by calling one of the 2 Rgmp_randseed functions.
   The memory associated with $state will not be freed until
   either you call Rgmp_randclear, or the program ends.

  Rmpfr_random2($rop, $si, $ui);
   Generate a random float of at most abs($si) limbs, with long
   strings of zeros and ones in the binary representation.
   The exponent of the number is in the interval -$ui to
   $ui.  This function is useful for testing functions and
   algorithms, since this kind of random numbers have proven
   to be more likely to trigger corner-case bugs.  Negative
   random numbers are generated when $si is negative.

  $state = Rgmp_randinit_default();
   Initialise $state with a default algorithm. This will be
   a compromise between speed and randomness, and is 
   recommended for applications with no special requirements.
   (The GMP function is documented in the GMP, not MPFR, docs.)

  $state = Rgmp_randinit_lc_2exp($a, $c, $m2exp);
   This function is not tested in the test suite.
   Use with caution - I often select values here that cause
   Rmpf_urandomb() to behave non-randomly.    
   Initialise $state with a linear congruential algorithm:
   X = ($a * X + $c) % 2 ** $m2exp
   The low bits in X are not very random - for this reason
   only the high half of each X is actually used.
   $c and $m2exp sre both unsigned longs.
   $a can be any one of Math::GMP, GMP::Mpz, or Math::GnuMPz
   objects. Or it can be a string.
   If it is a string of hex digits it must be prefixed with
   either OX or Ox. If it is a string of octal digits it must
   be prefixed with 'O'. Else it is assumed to be a decimal
   integer. No other bases are allowed.
   (The GMP function is documented in the GMP, not MPFR, docs.)

  $state = Rgmp_randinit_lc_2exp_size($ui);
   Initialise state as per Rgmp_randinit_lc_2exp. The values
   for $a, $c. and $m2exp are selected from a table, chosen
   so that $ui bits (or more) of each X will be used.
   (The GMP function is documented in the GMP, not MPFR, docs.)
   

  Rgmp_randseed($state, $seed);
   $state is a reference to a gmp_randstate_t strucure (the
   return value of one of the Rgmp_randinit functions).
   $seed is the seed. It can be any one of Math::GMP, 
   GMP::Mpz, or Math::GnuMPz objects. Or it can be a string.
   If it is a string of hex digits it must be prefixed with
   either OX or Ox. If it is a string of octal digits it must
   be prefixed with 'O'. Else it is assumed to be a decimal
   integer. No other bases are allowed.
   (The GMP function is documented in the GMP, not MPFR, docs.)

  Rgmp_randseed_ui($state, $ui);
   $state is a reference to a gmp_randstate_t strucure (the
   return value of one of the Rgmp_randinit functions).
   $ui is the seed.
   (The GMP function is documented in the GMP, not MPFR, docs.)

  #########

  INTERNALS

  $bool = Rmpfr_add_one_ulp($rop, $rnd);
   Add one unit in last place (ulp) to $rop if $rop is finite
   and positive, subtract one ulp if $rop is finite and negative;
   otherwise, $rop is not changed.  The return value is zero 
   unless an overflow occurs, in which case the `Rmpfr_add_one_ulp'
   function behaves like a conventional addition.

  $bool = Rmpfr_sub_one_ulp($rop, $rnd);
   Subtract one ulp to $rop if $rop is finite and positive, add 
   one ulp if $rop is finite and negative; otherwise, $rop is not
   changed. The return value is zero unless an underflow occurs,
   in which case the `Rmpfr_sub_one_ulp' function behaves like a
   conventional subtraction.

  $bool = Rmpfr_can_round($op, $ui, $rnd1, $rnd2, $prec);
   Assuming $op is an approximation of an unknown number X in direction
   $rnd1 with error at most two to the power E(b)-$ui where E(b) is
   the exponent of B, returns 1 if one is able to round exactly X
   to precision $prec with direction $rnd2, and 0 otherwise. This
   function *does not modify* its arguments.

  $si = Rmpfr_get_exp($op);
   Get the exponent of $op, assuming that $op is a non-zero
   ordinary number.

  $si = Rmpfr_set_exp($op, $si);
   Set the exponent of $op if $si is in the current exponent 
   range, and return 0 (even if $op is not a non-zero
   ordinary number); otherwise, return a non-zero value.

  ####################

  OPERATOR OVERLOADING
   
   Overloading works with numbers, strings (base 10 only) and
   Math::MPFR objects.
   Overloaded operations are performed using the current
   "default rounding mode" (which you can determine using the
   'Rmpfr_get_default_rounding_mode' function, and change using
   the 'Rmpfr_set_default_rounding_mode' function).

   The following operators are overloaded:
    + - * / ** sqrt (Return value has default precision)
    += -= *= /= **= (Precision remains unchanged)
    < <= > >= == != <=>
    ! not
    abs atan2 cos sin log exp (Return value has default precision)
    int (On perl 5.8 only, NA on perl 5.6. The return value
         has default precision)
    = ""

   Attempting to use the overloaded operators with objects that
   have been blessed into some package other than 'Math::MPFR'
   will not (currently) work. It would be fun (and is tempting)
   to implement cross-class overloading - but it could also
   easily lead to user confusion and frustration, so I'll resist
   the temptation until someone convinces me that I should do
   otherwise.
   The workaround is to convert this "foreign" object to a
   format that *will* work with the overloaded operator.

   In those situations where the overload subroutine operates on 2
   perl variables, then obviously one of those perl variables is
   a Math::MPFR object. To determine the value of the other variable
   the subroutine works through the following steps (in order),
   using the first value it finds, or croaking if it gets
   to step 6:

   1. If the variable is an unsigned long then that value is used.
      The variable is considered to be an unsigned long if 
      (perl 5.8) the UOK flag is set or if (perl 5.6) SvIsUV() 
      returns true.

   2. If the variable is a signed long int, then that value is used.
      The variable is consdiered to be a signed long int if the
      IOK flag is set.

   3. If the variable is a double, then that value is used. The
      variable is considered to be a double if the NOK flag is set.

   4. If the variable is a string (ie the POK flag is set) then the
      base 10 value of that string is used. If the POK flag is set,
      but the string is not a valid base 10 number, the subroutine
      croaks with an appropriate error message.

   5. If the variable is a Math::MPFR object then the value of that
      object is used.

   6. If none of the above is true, then the second variable is
      deemed to be of an invalid type. The subroutine croaks with
      an appropriate error message.

  #####################

LICENSE

This program is free software; you may redistribute it
and/or modify it under the same terms as Perl itself.

AUTHOR

Sisyphus <kalinabears at iinet dot net dot au>