Accuracy of Fractions vs Decimals: Why Decimals?

AI Thread Summary
Fractions can represent certain values more accurately than decimals, such as one-third (1/3) compared to its decimal equivalent (0.33). However, the decimal system is preferred for practical reasons, particularly in addition and subtraction, which are simpler with decimals. Additionally, many numbers, like pi (π), cannot be expressed as fractions. Using fractions can imply an infinite accuracy that is often impractical in real-life applications. Decimals also convey the precision of a measurement, indicating that 0.3 is less accurate than 0.33, making them a more useful tool for representing numerical values in various contexts.
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For exmaple you can represent one third more accurately with fractions (1/3) than with decimals (.33 etc etc). So why do we use the decimal system ?
 
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Not really stupid,

the basic reason is addition and subtraction are much easier with decimals. And of course many numbers aren't representable by fractions such as π
 
Further, when we use fractions, it implies we know the value to an infinite accuracy. In real life, this is not practical. The decimal is useful, as it records the accuracy of the figure as well. Ie. we know 0.3 is a less accurate measurement than 0.33.
 
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