Why are decimal dimensions used on shop drawings?

Decimal dimensions are used on shop drawings primarily because they facilitate adding and measuring lengths more effectively. When dimensions are expressed in decimal form, it enables seamless calculations, particularly when it comes to determining total lengths or fitting multiple components together. This precision in addition is essential in various applications, as construction and manufacturing often require exact measurements to ensure components fit as intended.

Using decimals in measurements reduces complications that can arise with fractions, such as needing to find a common denominator or converting between different fraction forms, which can be time-consuming and prone to errors. Therefore, decimals streamline calculations, making it easier for engineers, architects, and workers to work with dimensions.

The other options highlight secondary benefits of using decimal dimensions but do not encapsulate the central reason as effectively as the ease of performing arithmetic operations with them. For instance, while decimal dimensions may be easier to read or may take up less space, these factors do not directly influence the primary reason they are preferred in shop drawings, which centers around the efficiency of calculations.