Expert: Abe Mantell - 9/8/2005

Question
Hello:

When you expressed 6, the non-zero portion of the decimal in 0.00006, in fractional form, why is tenths used as the denominator, as in 0.0000(6/10)?

I know that 6 occupies the 1/100,000 place in the decimal, and I know that 6/10 reduces to 3/5.

I thank you for your follow-up reply.
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Followup To
Question -
Hello:

1. I can express the complex decimal of (0.00)1/2 (1/2 of 1/100) as 1/200 and then to 0.005, but I cannot determine a calculation that can reverse the process of going from 0.005 or 1/200 that equals (0.00)1/2. I want to determine a calculation that can reverse 1/200 or 0.005 to equal (0.00)1/2.

Do you know 1/200 or 0.005 can convert to (0.00)1/2 by using a calculation?

2. Does the 5 in 0.005 represent 5/10 in the thousandths place?

If so, how or why does the 5 in 0.005 represent 5/10 in the thousandths place?




Answer -
I've never seen decimals expressed that way inany math, physics, or engineering book or application!  But...

To go in reverse just express the non-zero portion in fractional form and know what position it is in. For example (using the notation you gave):
1. 0.00006 = 0.0000(6/10) = 0.0000(3/5)

I have to say, I do not like this notation, it is technically wrong!  To answer your other question, the "5" in 0.005 does NOT represent 5/10 in the thousandths place. It represents 5 in the thousandths place...which is 5 thousandths.

Abe


Answer
I was simply using the notation you had in your
original question.  I have NEVER seen this before,
nor do I see a need for it.  It is very confusing
notation (and inconsistant with generally accepted
notation) and not worth much, if any, consideration.