What type of numbers does the Floating Point Unit (FPU) operate on?

The Floating Point Unit (FPU) is specifically designed to perform calculations on floating point numbers, which are a way of representing real numbers that can have a fractional part. This representation allows for a wide range of values, effectively handling very large and very small numbers, as well as enabling operations like addition, subtraction, multiplication, and division on these types of numbers that include decimals.

Floating point numbers are expressed in a format that includes both a significand (or mantissa) and an exponent, enabling the FPU to efficiently execute mathematical calculations that involve fractions and very large ranges of values. This capability is crucial in fields that require precise calculations involving real-world measurements, such as engineering, graphics, and scientific computation.

The other number types listed, such as whole numbers or integers, are more suited for different computational units. These types usually do not require the same level of precision or the ability to handle fractional values, which is why they are not within the operational scope of the FPU. The FPU's specific focus on floating point numbers gives it the unique ability to support the diverse range of calculations needed in complex computations.