why are batting averages rounded to the nearest thousandth instead of tenth or hundreth?
Batting averages in baseball are traditionally rounded to the nearest thousandth because it provides a greater level of precision when evaluating a player's performance. However, it is important to note that batting averages were not always recorded to the thousandth decimal place.
To calculate a player's batting average, you divide the number of hits they have by the number of official at-bats. The result is a decimal number, typically ranging from zero to one. Batting averages are then multiplied by 1,000 to provide a whole number representation.
For example, if a player has 175 hits in 500 at-bats, their batting average would be calculated as 175 divided by 500, resulting in 0.35. Multiplying it by 1,000 gives a batting average of 350.
Initially, rounding to the nearest tenth or hundredth might seem like a more intuitive approach because it preserves a higher level of detail. However, rounding to the thousandth provides a clearer distinction between players' performances, especially when comparing averages that are close in value.
By rounding batting averages to the nearest thousandth, players with similar averages can be differentiated more effectively. It allows for more precise statistical analysis, such as determining the differences between a .285, .286, or .287 average.
Overall, rounding to the nearest thousandth allows for more detailed statistical analysis in the game of baseball, helping to evaluate player performance with greater accuracy.