1. Chapter 2
Measuring Length

2. 2.1 Imperial units of measure
Inch – A unit of length used in the imperial system. The symbol used to show inches is ,,
ie. 1” would be one inch (12” = 1ft)
Foot – The basic unit of length in the imperial system. The symbol used is ‘
ie. 4’ would be four feet (1’ = 12”)
Yard – A unit of measure consisting of 3 ft (1yd = 3ft)

3. Adding imperial units
When the units are the same we will just add them.
ie. 4” + 11” = 15”
Since imperial units can come in fractions we need to be able to deal with fractions.
ie /8” /16” = ??? (lets review)

4. Steps to adding fractions
Change both numbers into improper fractions.
4 1/8” /16” =
becomes…
33/8” /16” =
Now we need to get a common denominator

5. Common Denominator
Multiply to get the bottom of the fractions to be the same. 33/8” + 81/16” = Both fractions can have 16 as their denominator. So, multiply the top and bottom of the first fraction by 2. 66/16” + 81/16” =

6. Add the numerators
Add the top of the fractions and write them over the common denominator.
66/16” /16” = 147/16
Now convert the improper fraction back to a mixed number.
147/16 = 9 3/16”

7. Example 1
Two kitchen cupboards are being build. The first is 13 ¾”. The second cupboard measures 17 ½”. What is the width of both cupboards when they are installed?

8. Example 2
An exhaust system needs to be repaired in two separate places. The first piece of pipe needs to be 17 5/16”. The second piece of pipe will need to be 9 ¼”. What is the total length of pipe?

9. You Try
A phone charger is 34 ½” long. If the outlet adaptor is 2 1/8” long, what is the farthest it can reach?

10. Practice
Worksheet on adding fractions with unlike denominators.