## When Do Skydivers Use Decimals?
Skydivers use decimals to indicate their altitude in thousands of feet. For example, if a skydiver is at an altitude of 10,000 feet, they would say that they are at “ten thousand.” However, if they are at an altitude of 10,500 feet, they would say that they are at “ten point five thousand.”
Why do skydivers use decimals to indicate their altitude?
There are several reasons why skydivers use decimals to indicate their altitude:
Decimals provide a more precise way to indicate altitude than whole numbers.
Decimals are easier to read and understand than whole numbers, especially when dealing with large numbers.
Decimals help to avoid confusion between different units of measurement. For example, a skydiver who is at an altitude of 10,000 feet could be confused if someone else said that they were at “ten thousand meters.” However, if the skydiver uses the decimal system, there is no confusion because it is clear that they are at an altitude of 10,000 feet.
When do skydivers use decimals?
Skydivers typically use decimals to indicate their altitude when they are:
Communicating with each other over the radio.
Recording their altitude in a logbook.
Reporting their altitude to a jumpmaster.
Using a GPS device to track their altitude.
How to use decimals to indicate altitude
To use decimals to indicate altitude, simply add a decimal point and the number of thousands of feet that you are at. For example, if you are at an altitude of 10,500 feet, you would say that you are at “ten point five thousand.”
Here are some examples of how skydivers use decimals to indicate their altitude:
“I’m at ten point five thousand.”
“I’m dropping to eleven thousand.”
“My altitude is twelve point nine thousand.”
“I’m breaking off at fourteen point two thousand.”
Conclusion
Decimals are a useful way for skydivers to indicate their altitude. They provide a precise, easy-to-read, and unambiguous way to communicate altitude information.
## Additional Information
Skydivers typically use the feet-based altitude system, rather than the metric system.
The decimal system is also used to indicate altitude in aviation and other applications.
Skydivers use a variety of other hand signals and verbal cues to communicate with each other in the air.