&gt; [implicitly approximating numbers like `0.1`] is a widespread practice<p>Sure, but the key point is that it leads to approximation that may cause problems.<p>It makes much more sense to interpret `0.1` as meaning exactly that number. Same with, say, `29&#x2F;7`. If someone wants approximation, then have an explicit notation for that, like, say, `1.23e45`.