If I cut something into 3 equal pieces, there are 3 defined pieces. But, 1÷3= .333333~. Why is the math a nonstop repeating decimal when existence allows 3 pieces? Is the assumption that it’s physically impossible to cut something into 3 perfectly even pieces?

Question

If I cut something into 3 equal pieces, there are 3 defined pieces. But, 1÷3= .333333~. Why is the math a nonstop repeating decimal when existence allows 3 pieces? Is the assumption that it’s physically impossible to cut something into 3 perfectly even pieces?

In: Mathematics

Answer 1

> Is the assumption that it’s physically impossible to cut something into 3 perfectly even pieces?

No, not at all. On the contrary, what that should tell you is that the world doesn’t always conform to base 10.

Math still works mostly the same regardless what base we use for our numbers. In base 12, for example, “10” (12) divided by “3” (3) equals “4” (4), and 1 (1) divided by 3 (3) equals “0.4” (the fraction 4/12, which is equivalent to 1/3).

So you have to consider that regardless of which base you use, the physical qualities of real world things is not affected by that.