Introduction to Measurement Developing Standard and Metric Measuring Skills

Why Learn to Measure? Valuable skill for a job Valuable skill for hobbies Valuable skill for everyday life

Measurement Systems Two types of measurement systems. Standard (Customary) Based on Whole Numbers and Fractional parts of Metric (International System) Based on the number 10 (Power of 10)

Background Information –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 Information 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. United States Myanmar (formly known as Burma) Liberia (Settled by free-men and former enslaved blacks after America’s Civil war.

Background – United States The U. S. has switched to Metric with –Sporting Events - Olympics –Military –Medicine –Scientific studies This why you need to get to know the Metric System.

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

Background Information Devices that can be used to measure. –Ruler –Yard Stick –Meter Stick –Tape Measure –Protractor –Framing Square –Architect and Engineering Scales

Examples

How can we read a Standard/ Customary Ruler InchesFractions ¼ ¾ The Whole Inch First Half Second Half 1 / 8 3 / 8 5 / 8 7 / 8 1 / 16 3 / 16 5 / 16 7 / 16 9 / / / / 16

1. Find out how many parts the inches are divided into. Count the spaces in 1 inch. This number will be the denominator. 2. Count the number of whole inches. Write down the number. 3. Count the number of spaces after the last whole inch. This number will be the numerator. 4. Reduce fraction, if necessary. Hint: If the numerator is a odd number it is reduced. Steps in Using the Standard (Customary) System

Step 1 Step 2 Step 3 Find Denominator Count Whole Inches Find Numerator Step 4Reduce Fraction, If Necessary Let’s Review

Metric System International System Millimeters and Centimeters Decimal Numbers 1 mm = 1/10 cm = 0.1 cm 5 mm = 5/10 cm = 0.5 cm 10 mm = 10/10 cm = 1 cm

Steps in Using the Metric (SI) System 1.Count the number of whole centimeters (cm). These are the larger lines with numbers 2. Count the number of lines after the whole number. The smaller lines which are millimeters (mm). 3. Put in correct terms. Are you measuring in mm or cm ?

How can you tell the difference between a Standard or Metric ruler? Count the spaces between whole numbers. –If you get 8, 16, 32 or 64 spaces you have –A Standard Ruler –If you get 10 spaces you have –A Metric Ruler

Converting from Standard to Metric Convert from: To:Multiply by: milekilometer (km) inchmillimeter (mm)25.4 inchcentimeter (cm)2.54 footmeter (m) yardmeter (m)0.9144

Converting from Metric to Standard Convert from:To:Multiply by: kilometer (km)mile millimeter (mm) inch centimeter (cm) inch meter (m)foot3.281 meter (m)yard1.094

Let’s Practice You used a meter stick to measure your window for new shades. However, the shade packages list the measurements in English units. Luckily your cell phone has a calculator so that you can quickly convert your 81.3 cm by 91.4 cm window opening to English units. What size is your window using English units? Round to the nearest inch cm x.3937 in/cm = 91.4 cm x.3937 in/cm = Therefore, the window opening is 32 in. by 36 in. 32 in. 36 in.

Summary Two Types of Measuring Systems Metric Standard/ Customary What to remember about the Metric System: Each line is a millimeter and every 10 lines is a centimeter. What to remember about the Standard/ Customary System Halving or doubling units. What whole number do you have? Units – 1 / 16, 1 / 8, 1 / 4, 1 / 2 or inch Can count each line and reduce the fraction Count line patterns (1 / 8, 1 / 4). Get Ready to Practice and Good luck!

Image Resources Microsoft, Inc. (2008). Clip Art. Retrieved October 7, 2008, from