Program Challenge (was Re: z80 timing... 6502 timing)

From: Hans Franke <Hans.Franke_at_mch20.sbs.de>
Date: Wed Apr 21 06:48:40 1999

> >And again, more questions:
> >If I'm right at Megans description, she just include the next lower
> >digit when it comes to these subtraction rules, and your Algo seams
> >to be weak at the same point. Let me give an example:

> >49 would be normaly coded as IL (always remember, it was kind of a
> >system to reduce writing as much as possible - there are even examples
> >where the number 248 is written CIIL) while Megan seams to code it as
> >XXXXIX - basicly wrong - or did I miss something ? I'm not realy
> >what one can call a DEC-Geek.

> My code would produce XLIX, not XXXXIX...

Sorry, you're right I did only take one loop ...

> I guess I'm unclear as to whether any numeral can be used to reduce
> the value of a higher, subsequent numeral.

> Using your explanation, 1999 would be MIM, instead of the more
> standard (as I have seen it) MCMXCIX.

Back, when the system was developed (and almost until recent
days) Writing was a time consuming thing - and cost a lot of
resources (space on coins and seals, paper, ink, etc), so
the whole system was designed to save resources - call it a
kind of compression algorythm - instead of writing 5 strokes,
just write two, different placed and further, 4 strokes could
be replaced by 3 when using the subtraction rule.

Today we are most exopsed to roman numerals from movies (and
newer productions) where a) space is no longer a consiferation,
b) Numbers with _more_ Numerals look more impressive and
c) correct writing isn't exactly the main goal.

> Also, what's to stop
> someone from writing it in a form employing the vinculum:

> __
> III

For classic Roman Numerals, noone, but within this contest the
Numerals have been restricted :)

(BTW: this x1000 rule is the orign why we put a '.' (or ',' in
the US) between each 3 digits)

> >So do we only have to supporte the one-less rule, or the rule
> >of one subtraction numeral - or the full possibility with the
> >goal to reduce writing to a max ?

> So long as someone can clearly explain the rules to what can
> be subtracted from what, I'll implement it... (kind of like
> requiring a spec). Without it, I can only go on what I can
> find documented in the encyclopedia...

THats exactly my point - tofulfill the contest we needan exact
description of the result - it's the usual thing - the customer
gives an unclear description, besed on a lot of 'you-know' termns
and when we do the software he is shocked by the result :)


Gruss
H.

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Received on Wed Apr 21 1999 - 06:48:40 BST

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