Expert: Steve Holleran - 8/27/2007

Question
Hello:

Here are two mixed numbers: 25 1/2 and 0.25 1/2.

The fractions, 1/2, in 25 1/2 occupies the one place.

The fraction, 1/2, in 0.25 1/2 occupies the hundredths place.

Why doesn't the 1/2 occupy the tenths' place in 25 1/2 and why doesn't the 1/2 occupy the thousands' place in 0.25 1/2?

If the fractions were changed to decimals, as in 25.5, the 0.5 would occupy the tenths' place and in 0.255 the 0.005 would occupy the thousands' place.

I thank you for your reply.

Answer
Hi Kenneth,

I don't know where the first two assertions are coming from, but they are incorrect.  As far as I know, you are exactly correct in your understanding of the expressions, although I must admit, I've never come across something like

                        0.25 1/2  It doesn't make sense.

I believe your assertion is correct
Steve Holleran