I. Comparing measurement systems:
Complete the chart below:
Measurement Tool(s) used Unit symbols used in Comparable unit Tools used
or dimension metric system used in US system
Length
Volume
Temperature
Mass
Converting between English and Metrics measurement systems: The English system is used exclusively
in the US. As long as this sytem continues to be used in the US, conversions between the two systems will be
necessary. Unlike the metric system, the English system is not based on tens. Here, you must again use the
classical conversions method by using conversion factors. Set up divisions so that units you don’t want are
canceled out. Follow the procedures described below in converting between systems. Use the table below for
the problems in this worksheet. More conversions are found in the Guidelines for Collecting and Recording
Data (Ass #9) and in the back of your pirate planner.
Length Volume Mass
2.54 cm = 1.0 inch 1.0 liter = 1.06 quarts 1.0 kilogram = 2.20 pounds
1.0 meter = 3.28 feet 3.79 liters = 1 gallon (U.S. liquid)
1.0 meter = 1.094 yards
1.609 kilometer = 1.0 mile
• Just like in metrics, draw your conversion lines. PUT THE UNIT (and number) YOU ARE CONVERTING TO
ON TOP LEFT. AND THE ONE YOU WANT AT THE END ON TOP RIGHT. Then the others. Check they
cancel out. Then, look at your Metrics Handout or your pirate planner and find the values to convert your units
and plug them in. Multiply the numbers across each row. Divide the product of the top row by the product of
the bottom row. Write the units and box the answer.
Note: This could also be written as shown:
765.5 cm x 1.0 in x =765.5 in. = 301.4 inches 765.5 cm x 1.00 in =
2.54 cm =2.54 1 2.54 cm
Example:
1. 765.5 cm = ? in 765.5 cm x 1 in = = in
1 2.54 cm
2. The circumference of the equator is about 40,000 km. How many frequent flyer miles would you get if you
flew once around the world?
km . mi =
1 km
3. Review: Convert 5 days into seconds
Metric/US System Conversions
8. 4.5 inches into centimeters
9. 25.3 meters into feet
10. 2.3 miles into kilometers
11. 14 inches into centimeters
12. 125 pounds into kilograms
13. 20 gallons into liters