In various fields, such as construction, carpentry, and engineering, it is often necessary to convert measurements between different units. One common conversion is changing feet into decimals. This conversion can be done using a simple process that involves determining the number of whole feet, converting fractions of inches to decimal equivalents, adding the whole inches and fractions of inches, converting inches to decimal feet, and finally, adding the decimal fraction to the number of whole feet.
Key Facts
- Determine the number of whole feet: If you have a measurement like 7 feet 6 inches, the number of whole feet would be 7.
- Convert any fractions of inches to decimal equivalents: For example, if you have 6 feet 3 3/8 inches, you would convert the fraction 3/8 to its decimal equivalent by dividing the numerator (3) by the denominator (8), which equals 0.375 inches.
- Add the whole inches and fractions of inches: Continuing with the example above, you would add the 3 whole inches to the decimal equivalent of the fraction (0.375 inches), resulting in a total of 3.375 inches.
- Convert inches to decimal feet: Divide the number of inches by the number of inches in a whole foot, which is 12. For the example, 3.375 inches divided by 12 equals 0.28 feet.
- Add the decimal fraction to the number of whole feet: In the example, you would add 0.28 feet to the 6 whole feet, resulting in a measurement of 6.28 feet.
Determining the Number of Whole Feet
The first step in converting feet into decimals is to determine the number of whole feet. This is the integer value that comes before the decimal point in the measurement. For example, in the measurement 7 feet 6 inches, the number of whole feet is 7.
Converting Fractions of Inches to Decimal Equivalents
Once the number of whole feet has been determined, any fractions of inches need to be converted to their decimal equivalents. This is done by dividing the numerator of the fraction by the denominator. For instance, if the measurement is 6 feet 3 3/8 inches, the fraction 3/8 would be converted to its decimal equivalent by dividing 3 by 8, which equals 0.375 inches.
Adding the Whole Inches and Fractions of Inches
The next step is to add the whole inches and the decimal equivalent of the fraction of inches. Continuing with the previous example, the 3 whole inches would be added to the 0.375 inches, resulting in a total of 3.375 inches.
Converting Inches to Decimal Feet
To convert inches to decimal feet, the number of inches is divided by the number of inches in a whole foot, which is 12. For the example above, 3.375 inches divided by 12 equals 0.28 feet.
Adding the Decimal Fraction to the Number of Whole Feet
Finally, the decimal fraction of a foot is added to the number of whole feet to obtain the measurement in decimal feet. In the example, 0.28 feet would be added to the 6 whole feet, resulting in a measurement of 6.28 feet.
Conclusion
By following these steps, one can easily convert measurements in feet into decimals. This conversion is useful in various applications, including construction, carpentry, and engineering.
References
- How to Convert Feet & Inches into Feet and Decimal Feet (Full Version) – YouTube
- How to Change Feet & Inches to Decimals | ehow
- How to Convert Feet/Inches/Fractions to Decimal Format
FAQs
Why is it necessary to convert feet into decimals?
Converting feet into decimals is useful in various fields, such as construction, carpentry, and engineering, where precise measurements are required. Decimal feet provide a more accurate and consistent way of representing measurements, especially when dealing with fractions of inches.
What is the process for converting feet into decimals?
The process involves determining the number of whole feet, converting fractions of inches to decimal equivalents, adding the whole inches and fractions of inches, converting inches to decimal feet, and finally, adding the decimal fraction to the number of whole feet.
How do I determine the number of whole feet in a measurement?
The number of whole feet is the integer value that comes before the decimal point in the measurement. For example, in the measurement 7 feet 6 inches, the number of whole feet is 7.
How do I convert fractions of inches to decimal equivalents?
To convert fractions of inches to decimal equivalents, divide the numerator of the fraction by the denominator. For instance, if the measurement is 6 feet 3 3/8 inches, the fraction 3/8 would be converted to its decimal equivalent by dividing 3 by 8, which equals 0.375 inches.
How do I add the whole inches and fractions of inches?
To add the whole inches and the decimal equivalent of the fraction of inches, simply add the two values together. For example, 3 whole inches plus 0.375 inches equals 3.375 inches.
How do I convert inches to decimal feet?
To convert inches to decimal feet, divide the number of inches by the number of inches in a whole foot, which is 12. For example, 3.375 inches divided by 12 equals 0.28 feet.
How do I add the decimal fraction to the number of whole feet?
To add the decimal fraction of a foot to the number of whole feet, simply add the two values together. For example, 0.28 feet added to 6 whole feet results in a measurement of 6.28 feet.
Are there any online tools or calculators available to convert feet into decimals?
Yes, there are various online tools and calculators available that can perform the conversion from feet into decimals quickly and easily. These tools can be found by searching for “feet to decimal converter” or “feet to decimal calculator” on the internet.