  In this article, we consider a simple representation for real numbers and
propose top-down procedures to approximate various algebraic and transcendental
operations with arbitrary precision. Detailed algorithms and proofs are
provided to guarantee the correctness of the approximations. Moreover, we
develop and apply a perturbation analysis method to show that our approximation
procedures only recompute expressions when unavoidable.
  In the last decade, various theories have been developed and implemented to
realize real computations with arbitrary precision. Proof of correctness for
existing approaches typically consider basic algebraic operations, whereas
detailed arguments about transcendental operations are not available. Another
important observation is that in each approach some expressions might require
iterative computations to guarantee the desired precision. However, no formal
reasoning is provided to prove that such iterative calculations are essential
in the approximation procedures. In our approximations of real functions, we
explicitly relate the precision of the inputs to the guaranteed precision of
the output, provide full proofs and a precise analysis of the necessity of
iterations.
