One embodiment of the present invention provides a system that facilitates performing exception-free arithmetic operations within a computer system. During execution of a computer program, the system receives an instruction to perform an arithmetic operation that involves manipulating floating-point values. If the arithmetic operation manipulates a floating-point value representing {+0}, the arithmetic operation is performed in a manner consistent with {+0} representing a set containing a single value "-0", wherein "-0" is the limit of a sequence of values that approaches zero only from above. Similarly, if the arithmetic operation manipulates a floating-point value representing {-0}, the arithmetic operation is performed in a manner consistent with {-0} representing a set containing a single value "+0", wherein "+0" is the limit of a sequence of values that approaches zero only from below.