Lesson 3
1. Lesson 3
1.1. Explore
Module 6: Proportional Reasoning
Explore
Currency is not the only unit that might be different in another country. For instance, some countries use different systems of measurement. When making a purchase of an item in a different country, you may have to apply multiple rates to make an accurate comparison.
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Canada has been in the process of converting to the metric system since 1970. The Canadian government created the Metric Commission in 1971 to plan and prepare for the conversion process. With changes in government the process stalled. Forty years later the conversion is not complete. You can see some simple examples where imperial measurement is still used in your grocery store. Can you think of other examples where people still use the imperial system?
For a look back at the reaction to “metrification,” check out the CBC archives. An Internet search using the keywords “Canada Converts to Metric” is another option. You can also talk with your parents or elders in your community about the switch. Which unit of measurement do your parents or elders most commonly use in different situations: imperial or metric?
Read “Example 1: Solving a problem that involves multiple rates” on page 454 of your textbook. While reading this example, consider the following questions: Why did Jeff convert the volume of the gas tank to U.S. gallons? What other strategy could he have used to determine which option was more economical?