Expert: Josh - 8/29/2007

Question
The fraction, 1/2, in 0.25 1/2 occupies the 1/100 place alone with the 5 in 0.25.

Why doesn't the 1/2 occupy occupy the 1/1000 place in 0.25 1/2?

If the fraction is changed to a decimal, as in 0.255, the 5 would occupy the 1/1000 place.

I thank you for your reply.

Answer
Mixing decimals with fraction is just absurd. It may be used in financial reviews, but it is certainly not standard practice in mathematics.

I understand your point, ultimately, it comes down to which part the "1/2" is relative to. If I write 1 1/2, the half is clearly relative to one unit. If the claim "1/2, in 0.25 1/2 occupies the 1/100 place" is to be substantiated, then the "1/2" must be relative to 0.01. So, for instance, 0.37 1/4 amounts to 0.3725.

I cannot see the logic of mixing decimals with fraction. Isn't 0.3725 a lot more easier to grasp?