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08-8-2016 10:44:06  #31


Re: Fractions

TypewriterKing wrote:

Another interesting thing about the 1/4 and 1/2: I just realized that they are nowhere on my computer keyboard. I'll have to look around at other computers to see if they omit them too.

Read post #17 of this thread.


The pronoun has always been capitalized in the English language for more than 700 years.
 

08-8-2016 17:32:07  #32


Re: Fractions

Also being of "mature" years, I was in the military and I was taught to write dates according to the (US) military standard, e.g. 25 Sep 1958, or 8 Aug 2016. I like the simplicity and freedom from misinterpretation so much that I have continued to use that format ever since. Even on my monthly checks that I write to the utility companies.


Bangin' around, this dirty old town, typin' for nickels and dimes...
 

09-8-2016 14:09:47  #33


Re: Fractions

You see loads of these typewriters on eBay.co.uk. Hardly surprising since it was far too expensive to get a real one for a child... 

 

28-9-2016 06:21:26  #34


Re: Fractions

When I was at school in the 1960's and 70's fractions seemed to occupy a large amount of teaching time. Certainly compared to my teenage daughter's current education where they don't seem to feature.

I think prior to metrication in the UK (currency went decimal in 1971) fractions were more important especially as so many things were sold in dozens which doesn't seem to happen much any more apart from eggs. All the fraction keys on my typewriters are sensible divisions of 12 (1/4, 1/3, 1/2, 3/4). My Silver Reed 100 dating from 1977 has a special decimal point key as well as 1/4, 1/2 & 3/4  so is perhaps a transitional form.

As for metrication, it was never really completed and in the UK we operate with a sort of informal hybrid system although there are clear weights & measures laws. Many sizes of bottled goods are straight conversions to the nearest sensible metric equivalent. e.g. Pickled eggs in the fish & chip shop are supplied in 2.25Kg bottles which is the old 5lb (pounds). We just don't seem to have taken metric to heart in the UK or at least won't have done until all those forced to learn the delightfully eccentric imperial system have toddled off this mortal coil.

 

28-9-2016 17:36:01  #35


Re: Fractions

Here in the U.S., at least in Texas, we have to use both the standard and metric system for the tools we have to use.  Wrenches, sockets, allen wrenches, impact sockets, et cetera have to be had in both measures, which adds to the frustration of a number of mechanics out there, of which I am one.


Underwood--Speeds the World's Bidness
 

29-9-2016 03:52:43  #36


Re: Fractions

Older stuff  tends to be imperial but new stuff tends to be metric when it comes to nuts & bolts. My Brompton folding bike is all metric EXCEPT for the nut that tightens the leather on the Brooks saddle which is 1/2".

That is pretty typical of the imperial/metric mish-mash we use. Another example is petrol which is sold in litres but fuel consumption is given in miles per (imperial) gallon. Nuts

 

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