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

This is one advantage that fractions have over decimal notation… when handled properly, there is no need to round and there is no loss of precision.

Some numbers just don’t play well together. Our numbering system (Arabic numeral system) is base 10. Three and ten do not play nice, so you get imperfect representations when converted into a floating point format.