What is the decimal point of 1/4 inch?
The correct answer and explanation is:
Correct Answer:
The decimal point of 1/4 inch is 0.25.
Explanation:
To convert a fraction like 1/4 inch into a decimal, divide the numerator (1) by the denominator (4). This means:
1 รท 4 = 0.25
This decimal represents the same value as the fraction 1/4. In practical terms, if one inch is divided into four equal parts, each part is 0.25 inches long.
Understanding decimal equivalents of fractions is important in fields like carpentry, engineering, and mathematics because decimal measurements are often used in tools like digital calipers, calculators, and computer-based design systems. Converting to decimal makes measurements easier to compare, add, or subtract, especially when precision is required.
For instance, if a piece of wood is measured to be 2.75 inches long, and someone wants to trim off 1/4 inch, they can subtract 0.25 from 2.75, making the new length 2.50 inches. This kind of calculation is more straightforward using decimal values.
In addition, knowing that 1/4 equals 0.25 helps in estimating sizes and reading measuring tools. On a standard ruler, 1/4 inch is the first major line after 0 and before 1/2 inch. If a person is converting measurements from a blueprint that uses fractions into a CAD program that requires decimals, knowing this equivalency ensures accuracy.
Some other common fractional to decimal conversions include:
- 1/2 = 0.5
- 3/4 = 0.75
- 1/8 = 0.125
Being familiar with these conversions builds confidence in measurement and arithmetic tasks. Thus, recognizing that 1/4 inch equals 0.25 in decimal is a simple but essential skill in many real-world applications.