How to fix the Python FloatingPointError

Python FloatingPointError is an error that occurs when a floating-point calculation is attempted that is not supported by the available hardware or software. It occurs when trying to calculate a number that is too large or too small to represent as a floating-point number. It can also occur when the precision of the calculation is too large, resulting in an overflow error.

When a FloatingPointError occurs, it is important to identify and correct the underlying issue causing it, as this will help ensure that the program runs smoothly and accurately.

In this post, we discuss the causes of the Python FloatingPointError and how to check and fix them.

What Causes Python FloatingPointError
How to Fix FloatingPointError in Python
Conclusion

What Causes Python FloatingPointError

Let us see what will happen if we run the following program. It will not specify a Python FloatingPointError.

Example1:

import numpy as np
print(np.sqrt(-1))

We use the free online compiler for different programming languages(PL) to get the results.

FloatingPointError

The above Python code will raise nan as seen in the image. It will not display the Python FloatingPointError.

Now, we can use nump.errstate to get Python FloatingPointError in the output. The following code can be used to display the error.

Example2:

import numpy as np
with np.errstate(invalid='raise'):
  print(np.sqrt(-1))

We use again the free online compiler for different programming languages(PL) to get the results.

FloatingPointError

Here are 10 possible causes of the FloatingPointError in Python:

Providing an invalid literal in a floating-point operation.
A calculation that produces a result that is too large to be represented as a floating-point number.
Trying to divide a number by zero.
Using an incorrect data type in a calculation.
Mixing different numerical types in a calculation.
Attempting to compare a float with an integer.
Performing an operation on an undefined variable.
Overflowing the number of bits used to represent a number.
Using a non-numeric character in a calculation.
An operation on a float that produces an undefined result.

It is insufficient to understand the Python FloatingPointError causes. We also need to understand how to fix this problem. The next section's goal is to achieve this.

How to Fix FloatingPointError in Python

Python's FloatingPointError has a number of possible causes, thus each problem can be fixed separately. One example will be shown below. But first, let's go over several potential solutions for Python's FloatingPointError.

Check your equation for possible division by zero errors.

Check your variable types to make sure they are appropriate for the equation.

Use the math.isclose() function to check for equality with a precision of 0.00001.

Use the decimal module to force precision on calculations with floating-point numbers.

Increase the number of bits of precision used in calculations. 6. Use the numpy.float128 data type to force higher precision calculations.

Carefully compare results from different algorithms.

Use the decimal module’s context manager to set the precision as needed.

Use the numpy.float32 data type to reduce memory and speed calculations.

Use the round() function to round the result of the calculation to the desired accuracy.

Use the numpy.float128 data type to force higher precision calculations.

Let us come back to the example that we have seen above, we can fix that FloatingPointError in Python by using the appropriate Python module to find the square root of negative numbers.

Example3:

# A program to find the square root integers
import numpy as np
def square_root(number):
  if number >=0:
    return np.sqrt(number)
  else:
    return np.emath.sqrt(number)
a = -9
output = square_root(a)
print(output)
# output: 3j

By using the free online compiler for different programming languages(PL), we get the following results.

FloatingPointError

Now, let us change the value of number in the above code to see what will happen. Let us take 3.

Example4:

# A program to find the square root integers
import numpy as np
def square_root(number):
  if number >=0:
    return np.sqrt(number)
  else:
    return np.emath.sqrt(number)
a = 3
output = square_root(a)
print(output)
#output: 1.7320508075688772

By using the free online compiler for different programming languages(PL), we get the following results.

FloatingPointError

A positive number's square root is an irrational number. This is a number that cannot be stated as a fraction or as a decimal that repeats or terminates. This implies that there is no limit to the number of decimal places it can contain.

We have 16 decimal places on the aforementioned example. Let's say we just need three decimal places. The built-in Python function round(), the f string, or format are all options to achieve rounding off irrational numbers.

Let us start with round().

Example5:

# A program to find the square root integers and round()
import numpy as np
def square_root(number):
  if number >=0:
    return np.sqrt(number)
  else:
    return np.emath.sqrt(number)
a = 3
output = square_root(a)
print(round(output, 3))
# output: 1.732

By using the free online compiler for different programming languages(PL), the output is displayed.

FloatingPointError

Now let us see the f string method version.

Example6:

# Rounding using f string method
import numpy as np
def square_root(number):
  if number >=0:
    return np.sqrt(number)
  else:
    return np.emath.sqrt(number)
a = 3
output = square_root(a)
print(f'{output:.3f}')
# output: 1.732

By use the free online compiler for different programming languages(PL), and get the following results.

FloatingPointError

Lastly, we can also deal with Floating point number by using format method version.

Example7:

# A program to find the square root integers and round using format method
import numpy as np
def square_root(number):
  if number >=0:
    return np.sqrt(number)
  else:
    return np.emath.sqrt(number)
a = 3
output = square_root(a)
print("{:.3}".format(output))
# output: 1.732

The free online compiler for different programming languages(PL) can help us to get the results as below.

FloatingPointError

Conclusion

The best way to fix a Python FloatingPointError is to investigate the source of the error and adjust the code accordingly. This may involve changing the data type of the variables involved, modifying the code to use a different numerical algorithm, or altering the code to use an alternate library. To avoid getting this error in the future, it is important to use the correct data types and numerical methods when working with floating-point numbers in Python.

Other Python Errors and Exceptions

"Messages known as Python errors and exceptions are shown when a program encounters an unexpected event. They provide information about the error that has happened and can assist in identifying the issue and locating a solution. These are some additional Python errors and exceptions that we have already covered."

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March 18, 2023 . By mcqsmonitor Editorial Team

How to fix the Python FloatingPointError

Contents

What Causes Python FloatingPointError

How to Fix FloatingPointError in Python

Conclusion

Other Python Errors and Exceptions