Fractions and Decimals
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We use fractions to indicate partial amounts. They are not just used in mathmatics but also in recipes (½ litre water). Decimals are separated by a decimal point.
Construction
We use both cardinal and ordinal numbers to create fractions. The numerator (the numeral above the line) is always a cardinal number. The denominator (the numeral below the line) is always an ordinal number.
1/3 | one third | 1/10 | one tenth |
1/5 | one fifth | 1/20 | one twentieth |
1/6 | one sixth | 1/100 | one hundredth |
1/8 | one eighth | 1/1000 | one thousandth |
Exceptions:
1/2 | one half |
1/4 | one quarter |
Numerators Greater Than One
When a numerater is greater than one, we use the denominator in plural (we add an s).
2/3 | two thirds | 2/7 | two sevenths |
3/4 | three quarters | 4/8 | four eighths |
4/5 | four fifths | 5/10 | five tenths |
3/6 | three sixths | 6/12 | six twelfths |
Writing Fractions
Fractions can be written in two different ways:
- There is a slash bewteen the two numerals.
- Example:
- 2/5 – two fifths
7/3 – seven thirds
- The numerals are written on top of each other and are separated by a horizontal line. (this variant is mostly used in mathmateics)
- Example:
- – two fifths
- – seven thirds
Decimal Numbers
Decimal numbers are written with a decimal point. The digits after the decimal point are said separately.
- Example:
- 0.135 - nought point one three five (US: zero point one three five)
- 3.14159 - three point one four one five nine
Singular and Plural with Fractions and Decimals
If we want to say exactly what the fraction or decimal refers to and the value is less than one, we use the contruction of a + singuar noun. (except for 1/2, see last example)
- Example:
- 3/4 T → three quarters of a ton
- 2/3 km → two thirds of a kilometre
- 0.743 cm → nought point seven four three of a centimetre
- 1/2 l → half a litre (not:
one half of a litre)
If the value of the fraction or decimal is greater than one, the numeral is followed directly by a plural noun.
- Example:
- one and a half hours
- three and a quarter kilos
- 2.5 millimetres