One-half page but 0.5 pages or 0.5 page?
Hi!
Should I write in the college paper:

The analysis is 0.5 pages or The analysis is 0.5 page

I am confused because it would be one-half page.

one-half page = 0.5 page or 0.5 pages?
Thank you!

Question

One-half page but 0.5 pages or 0.5 page?
Hi!
Should I write in the college paper:

The analysis is 0.5 pages or The analysis is 0.5 page

I am confused because it would be one-half page.

one-half page = 0.5 page or 0.5 pages?
Thank you!

Answer

I would write 'one half page' if you're saying it covers half of one page.

You wouldn't use a decimal or a fraction.

Answer

Typically we would pronounce it as "zero point five pages." Hence, 0.5 pages is correct.

However, "half of a page" is also correct.

In general, unless the number is equal to one exactly, use plural. This still applies to my second example, as it is sort of like this: (1/2) * (1 page).