Editorial Help Desk

Word of the Month

Rapscallion
(noun)
      1. One who is playfully mischievous
      2. A deceitful and unreliable scoundrel

Examples:
      Fido is the rapscallion who always hides Miriam’s shoe, driving her crazy when she is trying to avoid being late for work.
      Harry is reputed to be a rapscallion, more prone to weaseling out of school to play video games.

Tip of the Month

Here is the answer to a question asked by several people recently:

How to Express Fractions vs. Decimal Fractions

When expressing an amount of less than one as a simple fraction, the amount is treated as singular.
So, ¼ cup (quarter of a cup), 2/3 acre (two-thirds of an acre).

When expressing an amount of less than one as a decimal fraction, the amount is treated as plural.
So, 0.25 cups, 0.667 acres.

Whether expressed as singular or as plural, the abbreviation would be the same.
So, 0.25 c., 0.667 ac.

As always, when in doubt, check it out! Contact the Editorial Help Desk for help (Donna_M_MarksPleasant@mcpsmd.org).