General Math On-line
Chapter 4 Measurement Overview
What will I be able to do when I finish this chapter?
Convert within and between the Metric and English measurement systems.
Use the conversion factor method.
Calculate tolerances.
Make basic measurements
Solve application problems.
Chapter 4 Tips and Hints:
The Conversion Factor Method used in the textbook is very useful for making measurement conversions for a number of reasons. Using this method is highly recommended.
You can use the same set-up to solve any measurement conversion.
You will be able to see if you have set up the problem correctly.
It tells you when to multiply and when to divide.
When making measurement conversions, remember that the total amount always stays the same. The only thing that changes is the unit in which it is measured. Let's say a friend owes you ten dollars. If he pays you in $10 dollar bills, you will get one bill. If he pays you in $1 dollar bills, you will get 10 bills. You get the same amount of money no matter how he pays you.
Before you start a conversion estimate your answer. You can easily determine if the number will get bigger or smaller. If you are converting from a larger unit like 5.25 miles to a smaller unit like feet, then the number will get bigger. You need more than 5.25 feet to make up the same distance in miles. If you are converting from a smaller unit like 500 feet to a larger unit like miles then the number will get smaller. You will need less than 500 miles to make up the same distance in feet.
Making conversions in the Metric System is just a matter of moving the decimal point. To be successful converting within the Metric System you need to know two things.
1. How many places do you move the decimal point?
The number of places separating the prefixes on the conversion table tells you how many places to move the decimal.
2. Which way do you move the decimal?
When converting from a larger unit to smaller unit, you will need more small units so move the decimal to the right. When converting from a smaller unit to a larger unit, you will need fewer large units so move the decimal to the left.
You will need to have access to conversion factors throughout this chapter. There is a table provided for you at the end of this chapter. You should take this page out of the binder so you can refer to it easily.
When you are looking for a conversion factor on the table, make sure you are paying attention to the units. For example, the units feet, square feet, and cubic feet are not all the same. Feet are used for measuring distance. Square feet are used for measuring area. Cubic feet are used for measuring volume. Choose the appropriate unit for the measurement you are converting.
In the section on Making Basic Measurements, you will be prompted to complete some "Hands-On Lab Activities". You will be asked to use some specific equipment to make basic measurements of available objects. While you probably have an English/Metric ruler or tape measure and a set of English/Metric kitchen measuring cups, you will probably not have a balance. Do your best to complete these activities. On the test you will be asked to make length measurements using an English/Metric ruler or tape measure only.
The sections Using a Micrometer, Using a Caliper, and Reading a Deflection Meter are optional. If you are in a technical field that requires very accurate measurements, you may want to study these sections for your own benefit. These sections are also a good review of the skills you learned in the decimal section. There will be no questions on the test regarding these sections.
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