A floating-point data type is a compromise between the flexibility of a general rational number data type and the speed of fixed-point arithmetic. It uses some of the bits in the data type to specify an exponent for the denominator, today usually power of two although both ten and sixteen have been used.
a fLoating-point DatA type is A ComPromISe beTWeeN the fLExibilitY of a geNeral rational nuMbER Data Type and thE speED of FixED-POiNT ArIThmetic It useS sOME of the bits in the data Type To SPeCIFy aN ExPOnent for tHe denOMInator todAY usuaLLy pOwER Of two alThOugH bOth tEn And SixTeen have beEn USEd