I recently had a conversation with a family member who was baffled when a friend wanted to know how many quarters were in a basketball game. I initially laughed with her – as many people just understand that there are 4 quarters in a basketball game, because of the emphasis we place on the word “quarters”. I almost dismissed the conversation entirely, until I realized the question may not be as silly as I initially thought. With all the misunderstandings about fractions and fractional language floating around in the world, is it really that implausible for someone to question the use of the word “quarter” in this situation? (read more)
Me to the Power of Three 