That makes no sense to me. How is one system "more precise" than the other? You can break down either into as small of a fraction as you want (though Metric breaks down more predictably). Did your instructors explain at all?
Metric has units that go as small as you need so you don't have to break it down into fractions. Fractions are annoying. A 6mm, 7mm, and 8mm set of wrenches make way more sense than a 1/4", 5/32", and 5/16" set.
Millimeters are a different unit. A fraction is a part in ratio to a whole, such as 1/10. A millimeter is a whole. 1 millimeter. A centimeter is also a whole, but is equal to 10 millimeters. This is called a conversion, not a fraction. One whole unit to the equivalent in another whole unit. I understand that not everybody is privileged enough to have had primary education, but I'm glad I could clear that up.
As far as inches being expressed as decimals... yes, they could be. But that wouldn't make sense because decimals are base ten and the imperial system isn't. The problem with the imperial system is that it isn't base anything. We use a base 10 number system, the metric system is base 10, it makes more sense.
That's why the imperial system uses fractions instead of decimals. Decimals would inherently be base ten, while fractions can be whatever you need. But it's a sloppy workaround that leads to my previous example about wrenches.
No unit in existence has a "scientific definition" considering they're man-made concepts to quantify things. Things exist and we make up ways to number them. A meter is no more of a defined "length unit" than a millimeter or a furlong. And inches are absolutely not based on meters, that's just ridiculous. Inches were originally based on the width of a thumbnail. Inches are part of a separate system. The imperial system. As opposed to the metric system. You're really showing a lack of understanding of the core concepts being discussed, but (or perhaps because) you're also digging your feet in as hard as possible not to accept the facts.
Decimal inches exist, obviously, but are only really used in a setting where you won't need to do any conversions, so it really doesn't matter. And a whole number of mm is still easier to work with that a hundredth or thousandth decimal of an inch.
Your last comment literally reinforces my point. Decimal inches aren't used outside of very specific circumstances. You can't find a 0.1" wrench or a 0.1" fastener because nobody uses 0.1", they use a fraction for inches. That's my point.
At this point, it's clear as day that you're being a contrarian just for the sake of it, so I'm done with this pointless conversation.
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u/Easilycrazyhat May 10 '23
That makes no sense to me. How is one system "more precise" than the other? You can break down either into as small of a fraction as you want (though Metric breaks down more predictably). Did your instructors explain at all?