[R] integer overflow error problem

[Robin Hankin]

Hi List

Try the following simple set of functions (R-1.6.1):

 square <- function(x){x*x}
 cube <- function(x) {x*x*x}
 f1 <- function(x){square(x)*(x+1)}
 f2 <- function(x){square(x)+cube(x)}
 error <- function(x){f1(x)-f2(x)}

[see how f1() and f2() are algebraically identical].  Then:

R>  error(cube(20))
[1] 0
> 

no problem.   Then:

R>  error(cube(1:20))
 [1]  0  0  0  0  0  0  0  0  0  0 NA NA NA NA NA NA NA NA NA NA
Warning message: 
NAs produced by integer overflow in: x * x * x 


See how error() fails for the vector but not for the single number
argument.  Is R being reasonable here?








-- 

Robin Hankin, Lecturer,
School of Geography and Environmental Science
Tamaki Campus
Private Bag 92019 Auckland
New Zealand

r.hankin at auckland.ac.nz
tel 0064-9-373-7599 x6820; FAX 0064-9-373-7042