2001-09-09
Jim,
I'm not arguing the right or wrong of using the word "times" to describe
something smaller. I'm just saying I don't have a problem understanding it
when it is used. And I don't see why anyone else should either.
I thought he could have expanded on the poor use of FFU to promote SI, or
the use of wrong sized units to make things appear bigger or smaller than
they actually are. Even though he did touch on these points, he didn't seem
to take it anywhere.
But, then again, I don't think he is going to agree with your letter on
metric usage, especially when he wrote this:
.....Speak to us not of decimals. We suppose these are units for the
measurement of sound.......
He is assuming that people, I'm sure himself included confuses deciMAls with
deciBEls.
But, it is good to bring it up anyway.
And note, he seems to be mocking algebra:
....If told that 4x equals 2y, when 'y' equals 12, we smell a rat. It is our
nature. Why should 'x' be six? It seems highly unlikely.....
John
----- Original Message -----
From: "James R. Frysinger" <[EMAIL PROTECTED]>
To: "U.S. Metric Association" <[EMAIL PROTECTED]>
Sent: Sunday, 2001-09-09 13:37
Subject: [USMA:15155] Re: Fwd: Innumerate Journalists
> kilopascal wrote:
> >
> > 2001-09-09
> >
> > It seems from the link Nat provided, this guy's main beef is with using
the
> > word "times" when used describe something "less than".
> >
> > http://www.uexpress.com/coveringthecourts/
> >
> > I'm sorry, but I have no trouble understanding that when something is 5
> > times less than something else, that means the same thing as 0.2 or 20
%.
> > If he and others have trouble, that is their problem. ...
>
> Then I reckon I'll have to come to grips with being a person who has a
> problem with this type of construction. Perhaps it's because I read more
> scientific literature than newspapers; the journals I read do not use
> it. Nor do I allow students to use it in their lab reports.
>
> I'm not being sarcastic about your opinion, John; I'm merely reporting
> my understanding (or lack thereof) of that construction and the possible
> reason for it.
>
> Clear alternatives to its use are readily available so I don't care to
> change my opinion about this construction. Therefore there is no use in
> trying to sway me.
>
> Jim
>
> --
> Metric Methods(SM) "Don't be late to metricate!"
> James R. Frysinger, CAMS http://www.metricmethods.com/
> 10 Captiva Row e-mail: [EMAIL PROTECTED]
> Charleston, SC 29407 phone/FAX: 843.225.6789
>
