Division Algorithm
A family of integer and floating-point division methods based on iterative subtraction, redundant quotient selection, or reciprocal approximation.
Division does not map to one universal processor algorithm. Restoring and non-restoring methods generate quotient bits iteratively; SRT can use higher radix and redundant digit sets; Newton-Raphson and Goldschmidt move the problem toward reciprocal approximation and fast multiplication.
Hardware View
The trade-off includes area, pipeline depth, target frequency, operand width, and accepted operations per cycle, not just single-operation latency. A compact embedded core and a high-throughput FPU therefore make different choices.
Compiler View
Division by a known integer constant often does not become a hardware DIV instruction. Compilers can replace it with a multiply-by-reciprocal sequence and shifts when the arithmetic contract allows it.
Related Concepts
- Integer Arithmetic
- Reciprocal Approximation
- Pipeline
- Compiler Optimization