Robert, I think we agree that most measurement is better off without using fractions. I will have to chew on the notion that if we drop all fractions associated with FFU measurement then perhaps many people simply don't need to learn mathematics with fractions.
On the other hand, I think fractions are part of the foundation of mathematics and thus are important to master before moving on to high school math classes like algebra, geometry, or calculus. A previous post stated... > 1.) You don't have the infinite range you have with a decimal > number. Wrong. All decimal numbers can be expressed as fractions, but not all fractions can be expressed as decimal numbers (1/3, 2/3, 1/7, etc.) > 2.) Decimal numbers, by the number significant digits shown, > have self implied accuracy. Fractions do not. That's part of the niche that makes fractions important, since one doesn't always wish to round off. Finally, sometimes fractions convey a meaning that the decimal loses. For example, 1/7th conveys meaning (I'm dividing something into 7 equal parts) that is lost when written 0.14286. I'm more comfortable visualizing and remembering 1/7th than 0.14286. John
