Strategies for Reading the Ruler

Background – World Wide Two main systems of measurement Metric System Based on the number 10 U.S. Customary System Based on halving or doubling units

Ways to Measure Carpenters have a saying, “measure twice, cut once.” This simple statement is more a rule then words. If you measure wrong, there is no way to stretch boards, pipes, hoses or anything else you cut. Wrong cuts cost money.

Tools for Measuring

Tape Measure: flexible fabric, plastic or steel that is housed in a case or on a reel. There is usually a “hook” on the end that allows you to hook it onto the objects you are measuring. Long Tapes and Wheels: For measuring long distances from 25 to 300 feet or more. Folding Rules (Zigzag Rules): folding or bending wooden rulers that are good for angles and odd bends. Squares: L-shaped 90° measure that is used in creating building angles.

Types of Squares: Try, Speed, Measuring, Miter, T and Speed: Used for checking angles, measures, drawing angles. Used in construction; especially in joints, staircases and rafters. Micrometer: Used for exterior and interior precise measurements. Used in engines and tight places. Extremely small reading errors. Level: Used to measure the horizontal and vertical degrees. Chalk Line Reels: Used for marking long straight lines.

Why Measure?? To only do the job once To purchase the correct amount of materials To be sure that code restrictions are met To figure our cost of project To determine correct fit

Background – World Wide What countries besides the U.S. have not adopted the metric system? All countries have adopted the metric system, including the United States. However, in nearly all countries people still use traditional units. For a country to switch to metric is a process that happens over time. Only 3 countries in the world, have not officially adopted metric as their primary system of measuring.

Background – World Wide Myanmar (formly known as Burma) United States Liberia (Settled by free-men and former enslaved blacks after America’s Civil war. Three countries have not officially adopted the International System of Units as their primary or sole system of measurement: Liberia, Myanmar, and the United States.

Background – United States The U. S. has switched to Metric with Sporting Events - Olympics Military Medicine Scientific studies

Background – United States At this time, Manufacturing; Transportation; and Construction Industries; are primarily using the U.S. Customary system. In certain sectors, the conversion is obvious (i.e. – Automobiles). However, in these industry areas the changes have not been as complete. This is the reasoning for studying both measurement systems used in the United States.

Protractor Yard Stick Framing Square Meter Stick Tape Measure Architect's Scale

Metric Details Millimeters and Centimeters 2 centimeters 10 millimeters = 1 Centimeter 10 Centimeters = 1 Decimeter 1 2 2 centimeters Lets find this point!

Metric Details Millimeters and Centimeters 8 millimeters 10 millimeters = 1 Centimeter 10 Centimeters = 1 Decimeter 1 8 2 7 3 6 4 8 millimeters 5 Lets find this point!

Metric Details Millimeters and Centimeters 10 millimeters = 1 Centimeter 10 Centimeters = 1 Decimeter 1 10 Centimeters or 1 Decimeter Lets find this point!

U. S. Customary Details Name – U.S. Customary System 12” in a Ruler 12” = 1 foot The units of the ruler are: 1/16” (smallest distance) 1/8” ¼” ½” One Inch One Foot (largest distance)

U. S. Customary Details 1” 2” Inches (1”) on a section of the ruler Counted the space which equals the inch unit.

½” U. S. Customary Details 1” 2” Half - Inches(1/2”) on a section of the ruler 1” 2” ½” 1 of 2 parts in an inch

1/4” U. S. Customary Details 1” 2” Fourth – (1/4”) on a section of the ruler 1” 2” 1/4” 1 of 4 parts in an inch

1/8” U. S. Customary Details 1” 2” Eighth – (1/8”) on a section of the ruler 1” 2” 1/8” 1 of 8 parts in an inch

1/16” U. S. Customary Details 1” 2” Sixteenths – (1/16”) on a section of the ruler 1” 2” 1/16” 1 of 16 parts in an inch

Strategies for reading the ruler TWO WAYS OF LEARNING Traditional & Patterns Traditional Fractions and reducing Example – Count every line to that point then divide by an even number on the top and bottom if it needs reduced Count to the whole number for the bottom of the fraction 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 6 16 2 . 3 8 = 1” 2” Lets find this point!

Strategies for reading the ruler TWO WAYS OF LEARNING Traditional Fractions and reducing Example – Count the lines then divide by an even number on the top and bottom if it needs reduced. Count to the whole number for the bottom of the fraction 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 4 16 . 1 4 = 1” 2” Lets find this point!

Strategies for reading the ruler SECOND WAY OF LEARNING Non -Traditional Patterns – Example – Count only lines that are the length or longer than the destination line. Count to the whole number for the bottom of the fraction 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 3 8 Same length Longer length Three of 8 parts of an inch! No reducing needed! Lets find this point! 1” 2”

Strategies for reading the ruler SECOND WAY OF LEARNING Non -Traditional Patterns – Example – Counting patterns will always be in lowest terms. No reducing needed! Count to the whole number for the bottom of the fraction 1 2 3 4 1 4 Lets find this point! 1” 2” One of 4 parts of an inch!

Strategies for reading the ruler Count whole numbers first! Past an inch Count whole numbers then the fraction in either method. Example - Count to the whole number for the bottom of the fraction 1 2 3 4 1” 4 1 One whole Inch Lets find this point! 1” 2”

TWO Measurement Systems Summary TWO Measurement Systems Metric Each line is a millimeter and every 10 lines is a centimeter. Get Ready to Practice and Good luck! U.S. Customary Halving or doubling units. Units – 1/16, 1/8, ¼ , ½ or inch Can count each line & reduce or count patterns.