Torbjörn, > B^(2j) = (B^j)^2 (i.e., even values of i) > B^(2j+1) = (B^(2j))*B (i.e., odd values of i) this is a classical trick we use at several places in MPFR, and we mention in Modern Computer Algebra (page 142). Does someone has an earlier reference for that trick? Paul