Question

How do you write `1/3` as a decimal?

Answer 1

`0.3`

Explanation:

I ideally believe in significant figures, so I would rather write it down as `0.3`.

Most people will write it down as `0.33, 0.333, 0.3333`, etc.

Since it is just a constant run on of 3's, there is no rounding up, so best bet, and safest would be `0.3`

If it were `2/3`, then the best would be to write it down as `0.67`, since you want to clarify that you rounded up the `0.666`

Answer 2

`1/3 = 0.3333333..... = 0.bar3`
In practice use `1/3` as `0.333` or `0.33` , depending on the level of accuracy required.
`1/3` is exact and therefore accurate.

Explanation:

The fraction `1/3` is awkward to write as a decimal because it recurs.

`1/3 = 0.3333333..... = 0.bar3`

The amount of rounding wil depend on the level of accuracy required in a particular situation.

Normally 3 significant figures might be expected. `1/3 = 0.333`

If only 1 decimal place is given, it can be seen as `0.3 = 3/10` whch is not the same as `1/3 = 3/9`

I would suggest that either `0.33` or `0.333` be used, or just the fraction `1/3` which is exact and therefore accurate.