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Re: measurement using ruler -- was 20th century



Physics is NOT the only place it is taught NOT to use the end of a
measuring device if you want accuracy. Carpentry, machinist work,
blacksmithing, etc. are all taught that accuract length measurements are
not done from end of "tape" or ruler to the desired length. If you want
it accurately measured, start at some measure point in from the end, and
subtract (or add depending upon how you view it).

Peter Schoch
Sussex County Community College

"Raymond A. Rogoway" wrote:

Clarence said: "Similarly, if I measure a length, I don't put the 1"
mark of my ruler at
one end of it."

I do. I was taught, way back in undergrad, lower division days, to use
the 1 cm mark and subtract because one could not trust that the end of
the meter stick, ruler, scale, etc. had not been damages and
foreshortened from use.

Ray Rogoway

--
The woods are lovely, dark, and deep
And I have no more papers in a heap
And in the morning I can sleep
And stroll in those woods so dark and deep.
r. frosted