Greatest possible error?

Question

What is the greatest possible error when measuring to the nearest quarter of an inch?

Answer 1

I believe your answer is one-eighth of an inch.

(background:  I am a high school special ed. teacher, math is NOT my forte, but this topic was recently discussed in a math class in which I assist, plus I checked online source listed)

To find greatest possible error, use ONE HALF the smallest unit that you are using to measure.

If smallest unit of measurement is nearest quarter of an inch, you take one half of that unit. In this case, use ONE HALF of one-fourth (or quarter inch), which is one-eighth.  

Remember the word "of" in a word problem usually means multiply.

Fraction multiplying:  to multiply 1/2 (one half) by 1/4 (one fourth) picture the fractions written top over bottom form, rather than the side-by-side form that I am forced to use, and just multiply across the top and then multiply across the bottom.  (top: 1 x 1 = 1, bottom: 2 x 4 = 8)

I apologize if I went overboard with this, don't mean to insult your intelligence if you know how to figure a fraction of a fraction, I just see so many students who are allergic to fractions!