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

You’re trying to shoe horn something that’s really simple into a decimal numbering system.

They’re just thirds, .33333… is just 1/3. 1/3 x 3 = 3/3 = 1.

Nothing is missing.

The answer is simply that 10 isn’t evenly divisible by three. That’s it.