Question

Question #94889

Answer 1

We probably use them more often than calculated decimal numbers!

Explanation:

How often does one say "I need 1.3333 pies for my guests"? Or, "Add 2.6667 cup of sugar to the mix"?

I didn't think so. We commonly use "mixed numbers" (combinations of whole numbers and fractions) to describe physical .things.

I'll need `1 1/3` pies, and I'll add `2 2/3` cup of sugar.

Even in commerce, and with electronic calculators, we still measure things by easy mixed numbers rather than decimals. The cost values might not be exact numbers, but the measurements are usually fractional weights or volumes.

You'll order `1 1/2` pound of meat, not `1.5` pound, even if the price is something silly like `$4.98`/lb.