Summary

Math 10C Module 1 Lesson 3 In this lesson you investigated the following questions:

  • How do the strategies for converting units in the SI compare with those used in the imperial system?

  • When can proportions be used to solve problems?

In this lesson you learned how proportional reasoning can be used to convert a measurement within or between the SI and the imperial system.

The SI is based on powers of 10. As a result, conversions in the SI system involve multiplication or division by 10, 100, 1000, and so on.

The imperial system, on the other hand, is not based on powers of any specific value. When using the imperial system, it is more advantageous to set up a proportion. Proportions are best suited to solving problems when an equivalent relationship can be established. Once the proportion is established, you can convert first by cross-multiplying and then by dividing.

You also learned to verify using unit analysis. Unit analysis helps you to convert measurements by cancelling unwanted units. In addition, you solved problems that involve the conversion of units and justified, using mental mathematics, the reasonableness of the solution.

Now continue on to Lesson 4 of this module.