How to calculate power in C language

There are the following three methods for calculating power in C language: pow() function: suitable for floating point numbers, but not as efficient as other methods. Fast power arithmetic: most efficient, suitable for integers and floating point numbers. Loops: Less efficient, but easier to understand.

Calculate the power in C language

In C language, you can use the following method to calculate the power:

Method 1: Use the pow() function

<code class="c">#include <math.h>

double result = pow(base, exponent);</code>

Method 2: Use the fast power algorithm

<code class="c">double fastpow(double base, int exponent) {
    if (exponent == 0) {
        return 1;
    }
    else if (exponent < 0) {
        return 1 / fastpow(base, -exponent);
    }
    else {
        double halfPower = fastpow(base, exponent / 2);
        if (exponent % 2 == 0) {
            return halfPower * halfPower;
        }
        else {
            return halfPower * halfPower * base;
        }
    }
}</code>

Method 3: Using Loop

<code class="c">double iterativePow(double base, int exponent) {
    double result = 1;
    if (exponent < 0) {
        base = 1 / base;
        exponent = -exponent;
    }
    for (int i = 0; i < exponent; i++) {
        result *= base;
    }
    return result;
}</code>

Which method to choose?

• pow() function: The simplest method, but only works with floating point numbers.
• Fast power arithmetic: The most efficient method, suitable for integers and floating point numbers.
• Loop: Less efficient method, but easy to understand.

Example:

Calculate 2 raised to the 10th power:

<code class="c">double result1 = pow(2, 10);
double result2 = fastpow(2, 10);
double result3 = iterativePow(2, 10);</code>

Note:

• Make sure exponent is an integer.
• If base is negative and exponent is odd, the result will be negative.

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