1. THE METRIC SYSTEM

2. What is the history of measurement systems? Systems of measurement have existed since ancient times. Systems changed over time to meet the needs of commerce/trade. Limited mobility caused many different systems develop depending upon location.

3. What is the English system? The English system was established throughout the world as colonization occurred. The system was based on various loosely related things, such as a yard= the length of King Henry I arm.

4. What are the units of measurement in the English system? Common units are: –Length: inches, feet, yards, miles –Mass: ounces, pounds –Temperature: Fahrenheit –Volume: fluid ounces, cups, gallons

5. What is the Metric System? Developed in France in the 1790’s Was authorized to be used by Congress in 1866. In 1960, this system was updated and renamed the International System of Units or SI.

6. Why use the metric system? Advantages: It is based on the decimal system (powers of 10) simplifies calculations used in most nations throughout the world eliminates dual measurement systems. Has commercial and trade advantages.

7. How to use math & the SI units? Advantages: Metric terminology uses a prefix combined with the base unit for that measurement. Decimal can be moved left or right to change the value of the measurement.

8. What are the prefixes? Kilo=1000 Hecto=100 Deca=10 Base Unit Deci=1/10 or 0.1 Centi=1/100 or 0.01 Milli=1/1000 or 0.001

9. What are the SI base units? Length: meter Mass: gram Volume: liter Area: square meters Temperature: Celsius

10. What instruments are used? Length: meter stick, metric ruler Mass: triple beam balance, scale Volume: graduated cylinder Temperature: metric thermometer

11. How can we convert from English to SI units? Factor/Label Method is a process to set up any conversion calculation that uses the unit labels to check your calculations. –Multi step process:

12. Factor/Label Method STEP 1: Put the known quantity & label in the upper left hand space. STEP 2: Put the conversion factor(equality) in the next set of brackets- make sure the units match diagonally. STEP 3: Cross out the units that appear on both the top and bottom of the brackets. STEP 4: Ask if the unit that is NOT crossed out is what you are trying to solve for. –If yes, continue with calculation. –If no, go back to step 2 and find another factor to use.

13. STEP 5: Multiply the numbers in the top horizontally, then do the numbers on the bottom of the brackets. STEP 6: Divide the top product by the bottom product and affix the label that was not crossed out.