Largest Number

Largest number is mathematically meaningless (since in the usual system of integers, any number may be increased by adding one to it); however, the term may refer to:

  • Names of large numbers, for the largest numbers with names
  • Infinity, a concept which can be used as a largest number in some contexts
  • Graham's number, once claimed as the largest number ever used in a serious mathematical proof
  • Large numbers, for notations to exactly specify very large numbers

In computers:

  • The constant 32767, 2147483647, or 9223372036854775807, in a word of 16, 32, or 64 bits in two's-complement format
  • The constant 65535, 4294967295, or 18446744073709551615, in a word of 16, 32, or 64 bits with no sign bit
  • The constant 3.4028235e+38 or 1.7976931348623157e+308, in a word of 32 or 64 bits using the binary IEEE 754-2008 floating-point representation

Famous quotes containing the words largest and/or number:

    The debt was the most sacred obligation incurred during the war. It was by no means the largest in amount. We do not haggle with those who lent us money. We should not with those who gave health and blood and life. If doors are opened to fraud, contrive to close them. But don’t deny the obligation, or scold at its performance.
    Rutherford Birchard Hayes (1822–1893)

    He is the greatest artist who has embodied, in the sum of his works, the greatest number of the greatest ideas.
    John Ruskin (1819–1900)