JavaScript provides different methods to work with numbers, including toPrecision and toFixed. This Answer will cover the number formatting in JavaScript with appropriate examples.
In JavaScript, both methods (i.e., toPrecision and toFixed) deal with numbers and serve distinct purposes in formatting. Let’s explore each method’s nuances.
toPrecisionThe toPrecision method specifies the total number of significant digits in a resultant number. It takes one parameter representing the total number of digits (including integer and fractional) that should be present in the result. The syntax is given below:
anyNumber.toPrecision(precision)
Here, precision is the desired number of significant digits. Now, let’s see the working of this method in the given example:
let anyNumber = 123.321;let result = anyNumber.toPrecision(4);console.log(result); // Output: 123.3
In the example above, toPrecision(4) ensures that there are 4 significant digits in the result.
toFixedThe toFixed method is designed to format the number to a fixed number of decimal places. It also takes a parameter representing the number of digits to appear in the fractional part of the given number. The syntax is given below:
anyNumber.toFixed(digits)
Here, digits is the number of decimal places in the result. Now, let’s see the working of this method in the given example:
let anyNumber = 123.321;let result = anyNumber.toFixed(2);console.log(result); // Output: 123.32
In the example above, toFixed(2) ensures that the number is formatted with exactly 2 decimal places.
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Precision vs. decimal places | It focuses on the total number of significant digits. | It concentrates on the number of digits after the decimal point. |
Output format | It may result in scientific notation, if necessary, to maintain precision. | It always provides a fixed number of decimal places, potentially rounding the number. |
Handling integers | It may include trailing zeros after the decimal point for integer values. | It always formats as a fixed decimal, even for integers. |
In conclusion, both toPrecision and toFixed serve a distinct purpose:
toPrecision: This method maintains a specific level of precision and ensure the total number of significant digits in a result, regardless of whether they are before or after the decimal point.
toFixed: This method focuses on displaying a number with a fixed number of decimal places and provide a clean format for decimal-oriented values.
The key lies in understanding the required formatting needs and utilizing the appropriate method to ensure intended results.
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