Lesson 3: Imperial Units and Conversion - Conversion Ratio

   Constructing Knowledge

With a conversion ratio, you can convert between imperial units using the proportion strategy learned in the previous lesson. The Imperial Conversion Table from the previous section shows many conversion ratios you can use.

Just like in the previous lesson, conversion ratios can be written as an equality, or as a fraction equal to 1.

EXAMPLE 1

Write a conversion ratio for pounds and tons as an equality and as a fraction equal to 1.

Solution


2000 lbs = 1 ton and \(\frac{1\,\text{ton}}{2000\,\text{lbs}}=1\) or \(\frac{2000\,\text{lbs}}{1\,\text{ton}}=1\)

EXAMPLE 2

Write a conversion ratio for miles and yards as an equality and as a fraction equal to 1.

Solution


  1. an equality

    1 mi = 1760 yd

  2. a fraction equal to 1

    \(\frac{1\,\text{mi}}{1760\,\text{yd}}=1\) or \(\frac{1760\,\text{yd}}{1\,\text{mi}}=1\)

EXAMPLE 3

Write a conversion ratio for pints and quarts.

Solution


  1. an equality

    2 pt = 1 qt

  2. a fraction equal to 1

    \(\frac{1\,\text{qt}}{2\,\text{pt}}=1\) or \(\frac{2\,\text{pt}}{1\,\text{qt}}=1\)


Now, it is your turn! Complete the questions in your Chapter 5, Lesson 3 Practice Makes Perfect that refer to Imperial Conversion Ratios.



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