On 2009/04/06, at 1:01 AM, John M. Steele wrote:
Mathematically:
1) Convert to decimal inches, by dividing by 25.4 mm/in
2) Record and subtract the integer inches to deal with only the
decimal.
3) Multiply by the largest denominator I am willing to entertain (8,
16, 32, etc)
4) Mentally round to closest integer
If I get a result that is even, I can simplify the fraction. If I
feel the number is too far from an integer, I can go to the next
denominator choice in step three by multiplying by 2 again (and I
can repeat until I am satisfied, but I have to remember what I am
doing to the denominator).
Dear John,
Thanks for this algorithm. I've used this technique often enough but I
have not seen it written so clearly before.
Cheers,
Pat Naughtin
PO Box 305 Belmont 3216,
Geelong, Australia
Phone: 61 3 5241 2008
Metric system consultant, writer, and speaker, Pat Naughtin, has
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