title: How do you conceptually add floating point/decimal numbers in assembly?
body: <p>In my assembly class (MIPS), I'm presented with the question:</p>
  
  <blockquote>
    <p>Add 2.85x10^3 to 7.88x10^4 using the following assumptions:
    Assume that you have only 3 sig figs, with guard (2 digits) and round digits.
    Assume that you have only 3 sig figs, without guard and round digits.</p>
  </blockquote>
  
  <p>I'm a bit confused on how guard effects the outcome of adding numbers. Could someone explain to me the process for adding floating point/decimal numbers and what effect guard has?</p>