What Is This Module About?

We often deal with measurements in our everyday lives. For example, in

order to know what clothes would fit us, we measure our height, the length of
our arms, and even our waistline. When we want to build something, we
specify its length, width and height. When we travel, we estimate how fast we
can get to where we are going by finding out the distance between our starting
point and destination.
This module is all about lengths and distances. Through it you can learn
how to measure the sizes of objects and the distances between places. It is
divided into three lessons:
Lesson 1 — Measuring Length Using the Metric System
Lesson 2 — Measuring Length Using the English System
Lesson 3 — Let’s Convert Units

What Will You Learn From This Module?

After studying this module, you should be able to:
♦ estimate the lengths of objects and the distances between places using
nonstandard measurement tools;
♦ measure and record the lengths of objects using metric and English
units of measurements;
♦ measure and record the distances between places using metric and
English units of measurements;
♦ convert smaller units of length to bigger units and vice versa; and
♦ convert metric units of measurements to English units and vice versa.

1
 Let’s See What You Already Know

Before beginning with the first lesson, take the following test. This will
determine what you already know about the topic.
1. The Statue of Liberty is 45,300 millimeters high. What is the height of
the statue in meters?
___________________________________________________
___________________________________________________
2. The Marianas Trench is about 6.8 miles deep. What is its depth in
feet?
___________________________________________________
___________________________________________________
3. Mayon volcano is 9,991 feet high. What is its height in centimeters?
___________________________________________________
___________________________________________________
4. Dindo Pumaren stands 68 inches tall. Olsen Racela stands 5.75 feet
tall. Jimuel Torion is 170.18 centimeters tall. Who among the three
basketball players is the tallest? Express their heights in inches.
___________________________________________________
___________________________________________________
Well, how was it? Do you think you fared well? Compare your answers
with those in the Answer Key on pages 47–49.
If all your answers are correct, very good! This shows that you already
know much about the topic. You may still study the module to review what
you already know. Who knows, you might learn a few more new things as
well.
If you got a low score, don’t feel bad. This means that this module is for
you. It will help you understand important concepts that you can apply in your
daily life. If you study this module carefully, you will learn the answers to all
the items in the test and a lot more! Are you ready?
You may now go to the next page to begin Lesson 1.

2
 LESSON 1

Measuring Length Using

the Metric System
How do you know that an object is big or small? How do you know how
far a place is? In this lesson, you will learn how to measure the lengths of
objects. You will also learn how to measure distances between places. You
will do these by using the metric system of measurement.
After studying this lesson, you should be able to:
♦ estimate the lengths of objects by using nonstandard measurement
tools;
♦ measure and record the lengths of objects using the metric system;
♦ measure and record the distances between places using the metric
system; and
♦ convert smaller units of length to bigger units and vice versa using
conversion factors.

3
 Let’s Try This

You can measure the lengths of objects or the distances between places by
using parts of your body as a measuring tool. Let us try measuring things
around the house using the hand span.
To make a hand span, spread out your fingers. The length of the hand
span is measured from the tip of the thumb to the tip of the little finger.

one hand
span
↑

To measure the length of an object using the hand span, place your
outstretched hand at one end of the object. Then move your hand along the
object, always beginning the next hand span at the point reached by your little
finger. Count how many hand spans you are able to make from one end of the
object to the other. Record your results.

4
 If the end of the object does not measure exactly one hand span, express
the length in fraction. For example, the length of a table can measure 6 ½ hand
spans or the length of a window can measure 8 ¾ hand spans.

Try measuring some objects in your house using your hand span. Below
is a list of objects you can measure. An example is given to guide you. Write
your measurements in the blanks.

Object Length Width Height

Bed 8 hand spans 4 hand spans 2 hand spans

Door ************** ___________ ___________
Table ___________ ___________ ___________
Refrigerator ___________ ___________ ___________

Window ___________ ************** ___________

5
 Another method of measuring the length of objects is by the open arms’
breadth. This is determined by opening your arms sidewards as in the picture
below.

↑
one open
arms’
breadth

The length of an open arms’ breadth is from the tip of the middle finger
of one arm to the tip of the middle finger of the other arm, while the arms are
outstretched. The open arms’ breadth can be used to measure objects or
things that are big or long.
Try measuring one side of the fence or wall surrounding your house.
How many open arms’ breadth is it?
__________________________________. Now try measuring the length of
one side of your house. How many open arms’ breadth is it?
__________________________________.
In the picture below, the gate measures 3 open arms’ breadths.

6
 Like with the hand span, if the end of the object does not measure exactly
one open arms’ breadth, express the length in fraction. For example, the length
of a wall may measure 5 ½ open arm’s breadths or the length of a fence may
measure 8 ¾ open arms’ breadths.
Now what if you want to measure the distance between two places? Can
you think of a way to do this using parts of your body? Think about this for a
while and write your answer below.
_______________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________

A convenient way of measuring the distance between two places is by

measuring the number of steps you make from one place to another. For a
more accurate measurement, make sure that the path you take is straight and
that your steps are even.
Is there a school, store, a church or any other landmark near your house?
Can you measure the distance between your home and this landmark? How
many steps do you need to travel from your house to this place? Go and find
out, then write your answer here: __________________________.
With the help of your body, you can measure the lengths of objects and
the distances between places.

Let’s Review

How can you measure the lengths of objects and the distances between
places using certain parts of your body? Give specific examples.
_______________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________
Compare your answer with the one in the Answer Key on page 49.

7
 Let’s Learn

In ancient times, people measured the lengths of objects with the use of
the human body. For example, the Egyptians used the cubit to measure length.
A cubit is based on the length of the arm from the elbow to the outstretched
fingertips. Another example is the foot which is based on the length of a
human foot from the tip of the toes to the heel.

one cubit
↑

↑
one foot

But since the size of body parts varies among people, some problems
arose. A cubit based on a short-armed person’s arm is different from that
based on the arm of a long-armed person. Because of this problem, people
began to argue about how long a cubit should really be. Traders, for example,
often fought over the proper lenght of goods, like a cubit of cloth.

8
 To solve the problem, people began to think of other ways of measuring
length. They soon agreed on using standard systems of measurement.
This made length more accurate. People no longer based the cubit on the
length of the arm. They based it on a royal master cubit made of black marble.
People checked their measuring sticks against the master cubit regularly. This
made measuring sticks uniform and equal.
In modern times, people use the metric system and the English system.
These are standards that are agreed upon by many countries. Systems of
measurement should meet two important conditions: that the units are
convenient and that they are consistent.

The Metric System

In the metric system, the standard unit of length is the meter (m). You can
use a meter stick for measuring the length of objects.

The metric system allows the sizes of the units to be made bigger or
smaller by the use of appropriate prefixes. On the following page is a list of
prefixes with their symbols used for the metric system. The multiplying factors
are also given.

9
 Prefix Symbol Meaning
mega [M] a million times
kilo [k] a thousand tim
hecto [h] a hundred time
deca [da] ten times

deci [d] one tenth of

centi [c] one hundredth
milli [m] one thousandth
micro [µ] one millionth o

Using these prefixes for the meter we have:

megameter (Mm)
kilometer (km)
hectometer (hm)
decameter (dam)
decimeter (dm)
centimeter (cm)
millimeter (mm)
micrometer (µm)

The metric system is easier and simpler to use because it uses the decimal
system, which is based on multiples of ten. This makes computations and
conversions a lot easier.
There are common measuring devices used to measure length in the
metric system. These are the meter stick, the ruler and the measuring tape.
Look for rulers and measuring tapes with gradations in millimeters (mm) and/
or centimeters (cm).

10
 Observe the gradations of the ruler in centimeters and that in millimeters.
Do you notice the similarity? For gradations expressed in centimeters, the
count is 1, 2, 3, 4, 5 and so on. For gradations expressed in millimeters, the
count is 10, 20, 30, 40, 50 and so on. These marked gradations are actually
equal in length. This means that 1 cm = 10 mm, 2 cm = 20 mm, and so on.
So if you need to measure length in centimeters using a ruler with
gradations in millimeters, just remove the zero from the digit. Thus, 10
millimeters is 1 centimeter, 200 millimeters becomes 20 centimeters, and so on.
In the opposite case, if you need to measure length in millimeters using a
ruler with gradations in centimeters, just add zero at the end of the numbers.
Thus 1 centimeter is 10 millimeters, 30 centimeters is 300 millimeters, and so
on.
To measure an object using the meter stick, ruler or measuring tape, place
the zero mark of the gradation on one end of the object to be measured.

With the zero mark fixed on one end of the object, measure the length by
reading where the gradations on the ruler meet the other end of the object.

For measurements in centimeters, if your measurements do not fall exactly

on the centimeter gradations, include decimals in your measurement. For
example, the measurement of the pencil in the picture on the next page should
read 5.8 centimeters.

11
 Let’s Try This

For this activity, you will need the following:

1. ruler with centimeter and millimeter readings

2. meter stick
3. tape measure
Try measuring some objects in your house using the ruler or meter stick.
Below is a list of objects in your house that you can measure. An example is
given to guide you. Write your measurements in the blanks.
Object Length Width Height

Bed 180 centimeters 90 centimeters 45 centimeters

Door ************** ___________ ___________
Table ___________ ___________ ___________
Refrigerator ___________ ___________ ___________

Window ___________ ************** ___________

To measure long lengths or distances, you can use the tape measure. Can
you measure one side of your fence? How long is it when measured in
centimeters? _______________________. How about one side of your
house? How long is it in centimeters? __________________________.

12
 Let’s Review

Explain why it is better to use measuring instruments like the ruler, the
meter stick and the tape measure rather than using the parts of the body for
measuring lengths and distances.
__________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________
Compare your answer with the one in the Answer Key on pages 49–50.

Let’s Study and Analyze

Have you seen a ruler or a meter stick? Did you notice the units of length
indicated on them? Some rulers and meter sticks are gradated in centimeters
while others are gradated in millimeters.

Gradation in centimeters

Gradation in millimeters

13
 How do you convert measurements from centimeters to millimeters and
vice versa? You can convert from one unit to another using the conversion
factors in the list below.
Units Symbol Conversion Factor

kilometer km 1 kilometer = 1,000 meters

hectometer hm 1 hectometer = 100 meters
decameter dam 1 decameter = 10 meters
meter m
decimeter dm 10 decimeters = 1 meter
centimeter cm 100 centimeters = 1 meter

millimeter mm 1,000 millimeters = 1 meter

A conversion factor is the value or ratio you must multiply with a

number to change it from one unit of measure to another. Hence, you can
convert centimeters to meters or meters to kilometers.
Conversion factors are expressed in ratio form. For example, 1 meter =
100 centimeters should be expressed this way:

1 meter 100 centimeters ← numerator

or
100 centimeters 1 meter ← denominato r

Notice that there are two possible arrangements for the conversion factor
ratio. The examples on the next page will help you decide which among the
two possible arrangements you should use.
To convert one unit to another, you should convert the current unit of
measure into meters first if it is not in meters yet. After converting the units
into meters, convert it, then, to the desired unit of measure.
It is suggested that you memorize these conversion factors so that you will
have an easier time solving the conversion problems.
Following are some sample problems and their solutions to help you
understand what we have discussed.

14
PROBLEM 1 Convert 14 centimeters to meters.
SOLUTION:

You should first convert centimeters into meters:

STEP 1 The conversion factor is: 1m = 100 cm. There are two possible
arrangements for the conversion factor in ratio form:
1m 100 cm
or
100 cm 1m
In order to cancel the cm units, choose the one where the 100 cm
is in the denominator.

STEP 2 Multiply the conversion factor by 14 centimeters.

1m
14 cm × = 0.14 m
100 cm ← The cm unit is in the
denominator; it cancels out.
PROBLEM 2 Convert 3 decameters to millimeters.
SOLUTION:

You should first convert decameters into meters:

STEP 1 The conversion factor is: 1 decameter = 10 meters.
10 m
Conversion factor in ratio form:
1 dam
STEP 2 Multiply 3 decameters by the conversion factor.
10 m
3 dam × = 30 meters
1 dam
Then you can convert from meters to millimeters:
STEP 3 The conversion factor is: 1 meter = 1,000 millimeter.
1,000 mm
Conversion factor in ratio form:
1m
STEP 4 Multiply 30 meters by the conversion factor.

1,000 mm
30 m × = 30,000 mm
1m

15
 Let’s Solve This Problem

Now that you know how to convert from one metric unit to another, let us
try solving some of these conversion problems. Let us do it step by step.
1. Aling Senyang needs 1.5 meters of cloth. She does not have a
meterstick or a measuring tape in meters. She only has a ruler with
centimeter readings. How many centimeters should she measure in
order to get 1.5 meters of cloth?
SOLUTION:

You should convert 1.5 meters to centimeters.

a. What is the conversion factor?
_______________________________________________
_______________________________________________
b. Multiply 1.5 meters by the conversion factor.

1.5 m × = __________

2. Mang Boyet needs to deliver 3 decameters of copper wire to a

customer. However, he does not have a measuring instrument that
measures in decameters. All that he has is a measuring tape whose
measuring units are centimeters. How many centimeters does Mang
Boyet need in order to get 3 decameters of copper wire?
SOLUTION:

You need to convert 3 decameters into centimeters.

a. But first, you need to convert decameters into meters. What is the
conversion factor for converting decameters to meters?
___________________________________________________
___________________________________________________
b) Now you can multiply 3 decameters with the conversion factor.

3 dam × = __________ m

16
 c) Now that the units are in meters, you can easily convert it to
centimeters. Do you know what the conversion factor is?
_______________________________________________
d) Next, you must multiply your answer in (b) with the
conversion factor in (c) to get the equivalent units in centimeters.

___ m × = __________ cm

Compare your answers with those in the Answer Key on pages 50–51.
7 – 11 Good! You can now move on to the next lesson.
0–6 You should study this lesson again. Make sure to review the
parts or sections that you did not understand well.

Let’s See What You Have Learned

Let us see if you have understood this lesson well. Take the test below to
determine how much you have learned about the topics discussed. Good
luck!
1. Find a rectangular dining table. Measure its length and width in terms
of hand spans and centimeters. (2 points)
****************** Measurement in hand spans Measurements in centimeters

Length _______________________ _______________________

Width _______________________ _______________________

2. Which do you think is a more reliable and convenient way of

measuring length—hand spans or centimeters? Explain your answer.
(2 points)
_______________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________

17
 3. Manang Lucia needs a roll of aluminum foil for the food she is going
to cook for a party. She needs 30 sheets of aluminum foil, each 40
centimeters long. How many meters of aluminum foil does Manang
Lucia need to produce the 30 sheets of aluminum foil? (3 points)
SOLUTION:

4. How long is 7 hectometers expressed in millimeters? (4 pts.)

SOLUTION:

That wasn’t so difficult, was it? Now compare your answers with those in
the Answer Key on pages 51–52.
18
Let’s Remember

♦ It is more reliable to use standard measurement systems than non-

standard measurement tools.
♦ You can conveniently convert one metric unit to another through the
use of conversion factors.
♦ A conversion factor is the value or ratio you need to multiply a
number by to change it from one unit of measure to another.

19
 LESSON 2

Measuring Length Using

the English System
We have learned in the first lesson how to measure length and distance
using the metric system. In this lesson, we will learn how to do the same using
the English system.
After studying this lesson, you should be able to:
♦ measure and record the lengths of objects using the English system of
measurements;
♦ measure and record distances between places using the English
system of measurements; and
♦ convert smaller units of length to bigger units and vice versa.

Let’s Read

How Tall Am I Really?

Bong wanted to know how tall he was. He was excited about growing as
tall as the grown-ups. And so Bong approached his father and asked him to
measure his height…

Really? I bet I can grow

Wow, you’ve grown a lot taller. tallerthanyou,Itay.Just
You are now 1 1/2 yards tall waitandsee.I’lleatalotof
anak. Soon you’ll be as tall as I foods rich in calcium and I
am. willexerciseregularlysothat
I’llgrowfaster.

20
 Bong was able to sleep soundly that Hmmm... the measuring tape reads 4 1/2
night. He was so happy to learn how tall feet. You’ve growntaller sincelastyear.
he was. He imagined that he will grow a
little bit taller when he wakes up in the
morning. When he awoke, he was
certain that he grew taller. So Bong
asked his kuya to measure his height…

Bong thought about what Yesterday, Itay told me I was 1 1/2 yards tall,now my kuya
he heard from his kuya. He tells me I’m 4 1/2 feet tall. There is an increase in number
so that means I’m taller today than I was yesterday! I’m
thought… really growing fast. I should eat more healthy foods and do
more exercises so that tomorrow I will grow taller again.

With excitement Bong waited again Anak,you’ve

for tomorrow. He felt so good about grownsotall
himself, and what’s more, he felt really sincelastyear.
You are 54
tall. Again he slept well that night and inchestall
when he awoke, he was very sure that he now.You’ll
had grown taller. And so he went to his grow up a fine
young man.
mother and asked her to measure his
height…

21
 After hearing what his mother 54inches!TwodaysagoIwas11/2yardstall,
said Bong thought to himself... yesterdayIwas 41/2feettall,andnow54...54
inchestall! Ican’tbelieveI’vegrowntalleragain.
I’lltellNinongAtoabouthowfastI’vegrownin
threedays.

And so Bong visited his HeyBong,whatapleasantsurprise!

favorite ninong, Mr. Ato. Bong I bet you have something good to
was so excited to tell his ninong tellme.Youlookveryhappy. So
what’s on your mind, Godson?
about what happened to him…
Ninong,youwon’t
believewhatI’m
going totellyou.
I’vegrownsobigin
thepastthreedays!
Two days ago I was 1
1/2yardstall,and
thenyesterdayIwas
41/2feettall,and
justthismorningI
was54inchestall!

Ninong Ato thought for a Ha, ha, ha! Nobody grows up as fast as that, Bong.
while. He took a good look at his You see, 1 1/2 yards, 4 1/2 feet and 54 inches are
allequalheights. Theyarejustexpressedin
godson and laughed…. differentunitsbuttheyarethesame.

22
 Upon learning this, Bong frowned and became sad….

Is that so, Ninong? Then Patience, my dear child. You will

when will I grow as tall as soongrowas tall asus.Itwillall
you guys? happen in the proper time, so
cheer up. Don’t get too excited to
be a grown-up just yet. Enjoy your
lifeasachild. Lookatthebright
side... you can play all you want;
you won’t be able to do this as a
grown-up.

I guess you’re right, Ninong. Thanks for your

advice. From now on, I will study how to measure
my own height so that I won’t be confused again.

Let’s Review

Why did Bong think he was growing taller every day? Did he in fact grow
tall? Explain.
__________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________
Compare your answer with the one in the Answer Key on page 52.

23
 Let’s Learn

The English system, also known as the U.S. Customary System of Units,
has been used in the United States and in many European countries for
hundreds of years now. This system was developed over a period of more
than a thousand years.
The English system is elaborate and uses more than one unit of measure
for length. This can often lead to confusion. But since many countries use the
English system, it is important for you to know how to use this system of
measurement.
For measuring length, the English system uses the following units:
inch yard
foot mile

The Inch (in.)

Look at the portion of the ruler below. How many gradations does an inch
have?

Notice that there are 16 gradations in one inch. Each gradation is 1/16th of
an inch. The gradations of an inch are:
0, 1/16 inch, 2/16 inch, 3/16 inch, 4/16 inch, 5/16 inch, 6/16 inch, 7/16 inch, 8/
16 inch, 9/16 inch, 10/16 inch, 11/16 inch, 12/16 inch, 13/16 inch, 14/16 inch,
15/16 inch, 1 inch.

24
 Some of the fractions can be simplified so the measurements will read:
0, 1/16 inch, 1/8 inch, 3/16 inch, 1/4 inch, 5/16 inch, 3/8 inch, 7/16 inch, ½
inch, 9/16 inch, 5/8 inch, 11/16 inch, ¾ inch, 13/16 inch, 7/8 inch, 15/16 inch, 1
inch.

The Foot (ft.)

Look at the ruler below. It is 12 inches long. This is equivalent to 1 foot.

When an object cannot be measured in whole foot units, the

measurements are expressed in feet and inches; i.e. 5 feet and 6 inches, 4 feet
and 11 inches, etc. This is usually how people measure their height.

25
The Yard (yd.)
Look at the illustration of a yardstick below. One yard is equivalent to 36
inches; it is also equivalent to 3 feet.

The yard is usually used for measuring objects of great length like rolls of
cloth, sheets of aluminum or coils of wire. It may also be used to measure
short distances.

The Mile (mi.)

The mile is used to measure long distances. It is equivalent to 5,280 feet.
It may also be used to measure the lengths of rivers or the depths of oceans.

Let’s Try This

For this activity, you will need the following materials:

1. ruler with gradations in inches
2. yardstick
3. tape measure with gradations in feet, inches, and/or yards.
With the use of these measuring instruments, measure some objects in
your house. On the following page is a list of objects that you can measure.
An example is given to guide you.

26
Measurements in inches:
Object Length Width Height

Bed 71 inches 35 1/2 inches 17 1/2 inches

Door ************** ___________ ___________
Table ___________ ___________ ___________
Refrigerator ___________ ___________ ___________
Window ___________ ************** ___________

Measurements in feet:
Object Length Width Height

Bed 5 feet and 11 inches 2 feet and 11 1/2 inches 1 foot and 5 1/2 inches
Door ******************** ________________ ________________
Table ________________ ________________ ________________
Refrigerator ________________ ________________ ________________

Window ________________ ******************** ________________

Measurements in yards:
Object Length

One side of the house 8 yards

One side of a fence ________________
Gate ________________

Let’s Review

1. Write the equivalent units of measure for the following English

system units:
Unit of Measure Equivalent Units
1 foot ________________ inches
1 yard ________________ feet

1 mile ________________ feet

27
 2. Look at the picture of a book below. How long is the book in inches?

0 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12

_____________________________________________________
Compare your answers with those in the Answer Key on pages 52–53.

Let’s Study and Analyze

Conversion Factors

It is important that you know how to convert one English system unit to
another. For units of length these are the conversion factors you need to
memorize:
Unit of Measure Equivalent Units

1 foot 12 inches
1 yard 3 feet

1 mile 5,280 feet

28
Let us practice solving some conversion problems:
PROBLEM 1 Convert 60 inches to feet.
SOLUTION:

STEP 1 The conversion factor is: 1 foot = 12 inches.

1 ft.
Conversion factor in ratio form:
12 in.
STEP 2 Multiply 60 inches by the conversion factor.
1 ft.
60 in. × = 5 ft.
12 in.
PROBLEM 2 The distance from Mang Lino’s house to the hospital is 3.5
miles. How long is the distance if expressed in yards?
SOLUTION:

We need to convert miles into feet and from there we can

easily convert the units to yards.
STEP 1 The conversion factor for converting miles to feet is: 1 mile =
5,280 feet.
5,280 ft.
Conversion factor in ratio form:
1 mi.
STEP 2 Multiply 3.5 miles by the conversion factor.
5,280ft.
3.5 mi.× = 18,480ft.
1 mi.
Now that the units are expressed in feet, it could easily
be converted into yards.

STEP 3 The conversion factor for converting yards to feet is: 1 yard = 3
feet.

1 yd.
Conversion factor in ratio form:
3 ft.
STEP 4 Multiply 18,480 ft. by the conversion factor.

1 yd.
18,480 ft. × = 6,160 yd.
3 ft.

29
 Let’s Review

Edgar is 67.2 inches tall, Richard is 5.5 feet tall and Alberto is 2 yards tall.
Who is the tallest among the three?
SOLUTION:

We won’t know who among the three is the tallest unless we

compare their heights using the same unit. Let us compare these in
feet.

Edgar’s height in feet:

a. We need to convert 67.2 inches to feet. The conversion factor is:
_______________________________________________
b. Multiply 67.2 inches by the conversion factor in (a).

67.2 in. × = _____________

Richard’s height in feet: 5.5 feet (given)

Alberto’s height in feet:
c. We need to convert 2 yards to feet. The conversion factor is:
_______________________________________________
d. Multiply 2 yards by the conversion factor in (c).

2 yd. × = _____________

e. Now that the heights of Edgar, Richard and Alberto are all
expressed in feet, you can easily compare these. Who among the
three is the tallest?
_______________________________________________
Compare your answers with those in the Answer Key on page 53.

30
 Let’s See What You Have Learned

You have come to the last part of this lesson. Let us now see how much
you have understood and learned. Answer the following test questions. Good
luck!
1. What is the length of the book in the picture below? (1 point)

________________________________________________
________________________________________________
2. What is the measurement of the pencil in the picture below?
________(1 point)

31
3. Anne is 66 inches tall. Liza measures 5.25 feet in height. Maria is 1.9
yards tall. Who among the three is the shortest? Compare their heights
in feet. (5 points)
SOLUTION:

4. Sonny was able to climb 8,500 feet up the mountain, Carlos was able to
climb 2,800 yards and Raul was able to climb 1.6 miles. Who was able
to climb up the highest? Compare the heights in feet. (5 points)
SOLUTION:

32
 Compare your answers with those in the Answer Key on pages 54–56.
If your test score is from:
11–12 Excellent! You have understood this lesson very well. You
may now turn to the next page to study the next lesson.
8–10 Good! Review only the items which you did not get
correctly.
4–7 Review the topics which you did not understand.
0–3 You have to study this lesson again.

Let’s Remember

The following are the conversion factors for switching from one English
unit to another:
Unit of Measure Equivalent Units
1 foot 12 inches
1 yard 3 feet

1 mile 5,280 feet

33
 LESSON 3

Let’s Convert Units

You have learned about the metric and English systems of measurement in
the first two lessons. In this lesson, we will now learn how to convert English
units to metric units and vice versa.
After studying this lesson, you should be able to:
♦ convert units from the metric system to the English system and vice
versa; and
♦ solve math problems involving the conversion of units.

Let’s Try This

For this activity, you need a ruler with gradations in inches and
centimeters. We will try to know the equivalent length in centimeters of a
measurement expressed in inches. An example is shown to guide you.
EXAMPLE:

Draw a line measuring 2 inches. How long is it in centimeters?

2 inches

34
 The line measures 5.1 centimeters long.
Now try drawing lines with the following measurements in inches and try
measuring the equivalent lengths in centimeters.
1) 1 ¼ inches
Equivalent in centimeters: __________
2) 2 1/8 inches
Equivalent in centimeters: __________
3) 3 5/16 inches
Equivalent in centimeters: __________
Were you able to measure the lengths in centimeters?
(One and one-fourth) inches should be equivalent to about 3.2 centimeters.
(Two and one-eighth) inches should be equivalent to about 5.4 centimeters.
(Three and five-sixteenth) inches should be equivalent to about 3.3
centimeters.

Let’s Learn

There are conversion factors you can use to find out the equivalent
measurements in the English and metric systems. The table below shows these:

English Metric System

1 inch 2.54 centimeters

3.28 feet 1 meter
1.09 yards 1 meter

1 mile 1.61 kilometers

It is strongly suggested that you memorize these conversion factors.

35
 Let’s Study and Analyze

Let us now look at some problems involving the conversion of metric

units to English units and vice versa.
PROBLEM 1 Convert 4.5 inches to centimeters.
SOLUTION:

STEP 1 You need to convert 4.5 inches to centimeters. The conversion

factor is: 1 inch = 2.54 centimeters.

2.54 cm
Conversion factor in ratio form:
1 in.
STEP 2 Multiply 4.5 inches by the conversion factor.

2.54 cm
4.5 in. × = 11.43 cm
1 in.

PROBLEM 2 Convert 8.05 kilometers to miles.

SOLUTION:

STEP 1 You need to convert 8.05 kilometers to miles. The conversion

factor is: 1 mile = 1.61 kilometers.

1 mi.
Conversion factor in ratio form:
1.61 km
STEP 2 Multiply 8.05 kilometers by the conversion factor.

1 mi.
8.05 km × = 5 miles
1.61 km

36
PROBLEM 3 A customer needed 3.5 meters of cloth. However, the
store owner has a measuring tape with gradations in inches
only. How many inches are equivalent to 3.5 meters?
SOLUTION:

There is no direct conversion from meters to inches. You

should first convert meters into feet, and from feet, you can convert
to inches.
STEP 1 You need to convert 3.5 meters to feet. The conversion factor
from meters to feet is:
1 meter = 3.28 feet

3.28 ft.
Conversion factor in ratio form:
1m
STEP 2 Multiply 3.5 meters with the conversion factor.

3.28 ft.
3.5 m × = 11.48 ft.
1m
STEP 3 You can now convert from feet to inches. The conversion factor
from feet to inches is:
1 foot = 12 inches

12 in.
Conversion factor in ratio form:
1 ft.

STEP 4 Multiply 11.48 feet with the conversion factor.

12 in
11.48 ft. × = 137.76 cm
1 ft.

37
 Let’s Review

1. How many yards are there in 14 meters?

SOLUTION:

a. To convert from meters to yards, multiply 14 meters by the

conversion factor. What is the conversion factor? (1 point)
_______________________________________________
b. Now multiply 14 meters by the conversion factor in (a). (1point)

14 m × = _____________

2. The length of the Mississippi River is 2,340 miles. What is its length
in kilometers?
SOLUTION:

a. You need to convert 2,340 miles to kilometers. What is the

conversion factor? (1 point)
_____________________________________________
b. Multiply 2,340 miles by the conversion factor in (a). (1 point)

2,340 mi. × = _____________

3. The Philippine Trench is 10,057 meters deep. How deep is it in

inches?
SOLUTION:

a. There is no direct conversion from meters to inches. You must

convert meters to feet, and then you can convert this to inches.
What is the conversion factor? (1point)
_______________________________________________

38
 b. Multiply 10,057 meters by the conversion factor. (1 point)

10,057 m × = _____________

c. Now that the depth is expressed in feet, you can readily convert it
to inches. What is the conversion factor? (1 point)
_______________________________________________
d. Multiply your answer in (b) by the conversion factor in (c) to get
the equivalent measurement in inches. (1 point)

________ × = _____________

Compare your answers with those in the Answer Key on pages 56–57.

Let’s See What You Have Learned

You have come to the last part of this lesson. Let us see how much you
have understood and learned. Answer the following test questions. Good luck!
1. Draw lines with the following measurements in inches and then
measure the equivalent lengths in centimeters.
a. 3 3/8 inches
Equivalent in centimeters: __________ (1 point)
b. 1 1/8 inches
Equivalent in centimeters: __________ (1 point)

39
2. The average depth of the Pacific Ocean is 12,925 feet while that of the
Atlantic Ocean is 3.58 kilometers. Which of the two oceans is deeper?
Compare their depths in feet. (5 points)
SOLUTION:

3. The Taal volcano is 11,808 inches high. Express its height in meters.
(4 points)
SOLUTION:

40
4. Convert 421.64 cm to inches. (2 points)
SOLUTION:

5. Convert 519.93 yards to meters. (2 points)

SOLUTION:

41
 Compare your answers with those in the Answer Key on pages 57–60.

If your test score is from:

13–15 Excellent! You have understood this lesson very well.
8–12 Good! Review only the items which you did not get correctly.
0–7 You have to study this lesson again.

Let’s Remember

The following are the conversion factors for converting units from the
Metric system to the English system and vice versa:
English System Metric System

1 inch 2.54 centimeters

3.28 feet 1 meter
1.09 yards 1 meter

1 mile 1.61 kilometers

Let’s Sum Up

♦ It is more reliable to use standard measurement systems than non-

standard measurement tools;
♦ You can conveniently convert one metric unit to another through the
use of conversion factors.
Units Symbol Conversion Factor

1 kilometer km 1 kilometer = 1,000 meters

2 hectometer hm 1 hectometer = 100 meters
3 decameter dam 1 decameter = 10 meters
4 meter m
5 decimeter dm 10 decimeters = 1 meter
6 centimeter cm 100 centimeters = 1 meter

7 millimeter mm 1,000 millimeters = 1 meter

42
 ♦ The following are the conversion factors for changing one English
unit to another:
Unit of Measure Equivalent Units

1 foot 12 inches
1 yard 3 feet

1 mile 5,280 feet

♦ The following are the conversion factors for converting units from
the metric system to the English system and vice versa:
English Metric System

1 inch 2.54 centimeters

3.28 feet 1 meter
1.09 yards 1 meter

1 mile 1.61 kilometers

What Have You Learned?

Congratulations for making it this far. You have reached the final part of
the module. All you need to do is take one last test. This will determine how
much you understood from the module. Do your best and good luck!
1. How many decimeters are there in 23 hectometers? (4 points)
SOLUTION:

43
2. Mang Berto needs a coil of electric wire 6.5 meters long. But he does
not have a measuring instrument in meters. He has a ruler with
gradations in centimeters only. How many centimeters of electric wire
should Mang Berto measure to get 6.5 meters? (2 points)
SOLUTION:

3. Boyet stands 66 inches tall, Asiong stands 5.7 feet tall and Pecto
stands 1.8 yards tall. Who is the tallest among the three? Compare
their heights in feet. (5 points)
SOLUTION:

44
4. Mount Kanlaon is 8,070 feet high. Express its height in centimeters.
(4 points)
SOLUTION:

5. The Amazon River is 6,440 kilometers long. How long is it in miles?

(2 points)

SOLUTION:

Compare your answers with those in the Answer Key on pages 60–63.
45
If your score is from:
15–17 Excellent! You have understood this module very well. You
may now study the next one.

11–14 Good. Review only the items which you did not get right.

6–10 Review the lessons which you did not understand.

0–5 You have to study this module again.

46
 Answer Key

A. Let’s See What You Already Know (page 2)

1. Answer: 45.3 meters

SOLUTION:

STEP 1 You need to convert 45,300 millimeters to meters. The

conversion factor is: 1 meter = 1,000 millimeters

1m
Conversion factor in ratio form:
1,000 mm
STEP 2 Multiply 45,300 millimeters by the conversion factor.

1m
45,300 mm × = 45.3 meters
1,000 mm
45.3
1,000 45,300.0
4 000
5 300
5 000
3 000
3 000
0

2. Answer: 35,904 feet

SOLUTION:

STEP 1 You need to convert 6.8 miles to feet. The conversion

factor is:
1 mile = 5,280 feet

5,280 ft.
Conversion factor in ratio form:
1 mi.

47
 STEP 2 Multiply 6.8 miles by the conversion factor.

5,280 ft.
6.8 mi. × = 35,904 ft.
1 mi.
3. Answer: 304,525.68 cm
SOLUTION:

STEP 1 First, you should convert 9,991 feet to inches. The

conversion factor is:
1 foot = 12 inches

12 in.
Conversion factor in ratio form:
1 ft.
STEP 2 Multiply 9,991 feet by the conversion factor.

12 in.
9,991 ft. × = 119,892 in.
1 ft.
STEP 3 Now that the measurements is expressed in inches, you can
easily convert it to centimeters. The conversion factor is:
1 inch = 2.54 centimeters

2.54 cm
Conversion factor in ratio form:
1 in.
STEP 4 Multiply 119,892 inches by the conversion factor.

2.54 cm
119,892 in. × = 304,525.68 cm
1 in.
4. Answer: Olsen Racela is the tallest player among the three
basketball players. His height is 69 inches.
SOLUTION:

The height of each basketball player should be expressed in inches.

To convert Olsen Racela’s height to inches:
STEP 1 You need to convert 5.75 feet to inches. The conversion
factor is:
1 foot = 12 inches
12 in.
Conversion factor in ratio form:
1 ft.
48
 STEP 2 Multiply 5.75 feet by the conversion factor.

12 in.
5.75 ft. × = 69 inches
1 ft.
To convert Jimuel Torion’s height to inches:
STEP 1 You need to convert 170.18 centimeters to inches. The
conversion factor is:
1 inch = 2.54 cm

1 in.
Conversion factor in ratio form:
2.54 cm
STEP 2 Multiply 170.18 cm by the conversion factor.

1 in.
170.18 cm × = 67 inches
2.54 cm
67
170.18 in
→ 254 17,018
2.54 1 524
1778
1778
0

Now compare the heights of the three basketball players. Olsen

Racela is the tallest among the three since he stands 69 inches tall.

B. Lesson 1

Let’s Review (page 7)

I can use some parts of my body to measure lengths and
distances. For example, I can use my hand to measure length. I can
also use my feet (through the length of my steps) to measure long
distances.
Let’s Review (page 13)
Using parts of the human body as standards of measurement is
problematic. People have different sizes of body parts so
measurements differ from one person to another.

49
 Measuring instruments use measurement standards that are
uniform and consistent. This eliminates the confusion that often arises
when using body parts as measurement tools.
Let’s Solve This Problem (pages 16–17)

1. Answer: 150 centimeters

SOLUTION:

You should convert 1.5 meters into centimeters.

a. The conversion factor is:
1 meter = 100 centimeters

100 cm
Conversion factor in ratio form:
1m
b. Multiply 1.5 meters by the conversion factor.

100 cm
1.5 m × = 150 cm
1m
2. Answer: 3,000 cm
SOLUTION:

a. You need to convert 3 decameters to meters first. The

conversion factor is:
1 decameter = 10 meters

10 m
Conversion factor in ratio form:
1 dam
b. Now you can multiply 3 decameters by the conversion
factor.

10 m
3 dam × = 30 m
1 dam
c) Now you can easily convert from meters to centimeters.
1 m = 100 cm

100 cm
Conversion factor in ratio form:
1m

50
 d. Multiply 30 meters by the conversion factor.

100 cm
30 m × = 3,000 cm
1m
Let’s See What You Have Learned (pages 18–19)
1. This is a sample answer:
****************** Measurement in hand spans Measurements in centimeters

Length 9 hand spans 198 centimeters

Width 4 hand spans 88 centimeters

2. Measuring length in centimeters is more reliable and convenient

than using hand spans. The measurement gradations in
centimeters are exact and consistent unlike in hand spans.
Measuring in hand spans may create confusion because people
have different hand sizes.
3. Answer: 12 meters
SOLUTION:

STEP 1 30 sheets of aluminum foil are needed, each 40

centimeters in length. The total length of the aluminum
foil in centimeters is:
30 × 40 = 1,200 centimeters
STEP 2 Convert 1,200 centimeters to meters. The conversion
factor is:
1 meter = 100 centimeters

1m
Conversion factor in ratio form:
100 cm
STEP 3 Multiply 1,200 centimeters by the conversion factor.

1m
1,200 cm × = 12 m
100 cm
12
100 1,200
100
200
200
0
51
 4. Answer: 700,000 millimeters
SOLUTION:

STEP 1 First, you need to convert 7 hectometers into meters

before finally converting the measurement to millimeters.
The conversion factor is:
1 hectometer = 100 meters

100 m
Conversion factor in ratio form:
1 hm
STEP 2 Multiply 7 hectometers by the conversion factor.

100 m
7 hm × = 700 m
1 hm
STEP 3 Now that the measurement is in meters, you can easily
convert it to millimeters. The conversion factor is:
1 m = 1,000 millimeters

1,000 mm
Conversion factor in ratio form:
1m
STEP 4 Multiply 700 meters by the conversion factor.

1,000 mm
700 m × = 700,000 mm
1m

C. Lesson 2

Let’s Review (page 23)

Bong thought he was growing taller every day because the
numerical values used to measure his height were expressed in
different units of measurements. He did not in fact grow taller.
Let’s Review (pages 27–28)
1.
Unit of Measure Equivalent Units

1 foot 12 inches
1 yard 3 feet

1 mile 5280 feet

52
2. Answer: 8 ¾ inches
Let’s Review (page 30)
Answer: Alberto is the tallest; he is 6 feet tall.
SOLUTION:

To calculate Edgar’s height in feet:

a. You need to convert 67.2 inches to feet. The conversion factor is:
1 foot = 12 inches

1 ft.
Conversion factor in ratio form:
12 in.
b. Multiply 67.2 inches by the conversion factor.

1 ft.
67.2 in. × = 5.6 feet
12 in.
5.6
12 67.2
60
72
72
0

Alberto’s height in feet:

c. Convert 2 yards to feet. The conversion factor is:
1 yard = 3 feet

3 ft.
Conversion factor in ratio form:
1 yd.
d. Multiply 2 yards by the conversion factor.

3 ft.
2 yd. × = 6 feet
1 yd.

e. Edgar is 5.6 feet tall. Richard is 5.5 feet tall. Alberto is 6 feet tall.
Alberto is the tallest among the three.

53
Let’s See What You Have Learned (pages 31–33)
1. The book is 9 5/8 inches long.
2. The pencil is 8 7/16 inches long.
3. Answer: Liza is the shortest among the three. She is 5.25
feet tall.
SOLUTION:

You won’t know who among the three is the shortest unless
you compare their heights in the same unit. Try comparing them
in feet because inches and yards can readily be converted to feet.
To calculate Anne’s height in feet:
a. You need to convert 66 inches to feet. The conversion factor
is:
1 foot = 12 inches

1 ft.
Conversion factor in ratio form:
12 in.
b. Multiply 66 inches by the conversion factor.

1 ft.
66 in. × = 5.5 ft.
12 in.

5.5
12 66.0
60
60
60
0

To calculate Maria’s height in feet:

c. You need to convert 1.9 yards to feet. The conversion factor
is:
1 yard = 3 feet

3 ft.
Conversion factor in ratio form:
1 yd.

54
 d. Multiply 1.9 yards by the conversion factor in (c).

3 ft.
1.9 yd. × = 5.7 ft.
1 yd.

e. Now that the heights of Anne, Liza and Maria are all
expressed in feet, you can easily compare their heights. Liza
is the shortest among the three. She is 5.25 feet tall.
4. Answer: Sonny climbed the highest at 8,500 feet.
SOLUTION:

You won’t know who among the three climbers climbed up

the highest unless you compare the heights in the same unit. You
must compare them in feet as stated in the instructions.
To calculate the Height of Carlos’ climb (in feet):
a. You need to convert 2,800 yards to feet. The conversion
factor is:
1 yard = 3 feet

3 ft.
Conversion factor in ratio form:
1 yd.
b. Multiply 2,800 yards by the conversion factor.

3 ft.
2,800 yd. × = 8,400 ft.
1 yd.

To calculate Height of Raul’s climb expressed in feet:

c) We need to convert 1.6 miles to feet. The conversion factor
is:
1 mile = 5,280 feet

5,280 ft.
Conversion factor in ratio form:
1 mi.
d) Multiply 1.6 miles with the conversion factor.

5,280 ft.
1.6 mi. × = 8,448 ft.
1 mi.

55
 e. Now that the heights that Sonny, Carlos and Raul climbed are
all expressed in feet, you can easily compare them. Sonny
climbed the highest, at 8,500 feet.

D. Lesson 3

Let’s Review (pages 38–39)

1. Answer: 15.26 yards
SOLUTION:

a. Convert 14 meters to yards. The conversion factor is:

1 meter = 1.09 yards

1.09 yd.
Conversion factor in ratio form:
1m
b. Now multiply 14 meters by the conversion factor.

1.09 yd.
14 m × = 15.26 yards
1m
2. Answer: The Mississippi River is 3,767.4 kilometers long.
SOLUTION:

a. Convert 2,340 miles to kilometers. The conversion factor is:

1 mile = 1.61 kilometers

1.61 km
Conversion factor in ratio form:
1 mi.
b. Multiply 2,340 miles by the conversion factor.

1.61 km
2,340 mi. × = 3,767.4 km
1 mi.
3. Answer: The Philippine Trench is 395,843.52 inches deep.
SOLUTION:

a. You must convert 10,057 meters to feet, then you can convert
it to inches. The conversion factor is:
1 meter = 3.28 feet

3.28 ft.
Conversion factor in ratio form:
1m
56
 b. Multiply 10,057 meters by the conversion factor.

3.28 ft.
10,057 m × = 32,986.96 ft.
1m
c. Now that the depth is expressed in feet, you can readily
convert it to inches. The conversion factor is:
1 foot = 12 inches

12 in.
Conversion factor in ratio form:
1 ft.
d. Multiply 32,986.96 feet by the conversion factor.

12 in.
32,986.96 ft. × = 395,843.52 inches
1 ft.
Let’s See What You Have Learned (pages 39–42)
1. a. Three and three-eighth inches is equivalent to about 8.6
centimeters.
b. One and one-eighth inches is equivalent to about 2.9
centimeters.
2. Answer: The Pacific Ocean is deeper than the Atlantic
Ocean.
SOLUTION:

The depths should be expressed in the same unit. Let us

compare the depths in feet.
To calculate the depth of the Atlantic Ocean in feet:
a. There is no direct conversion from kilometers to feet. You
have to convert the kilometers to meters first. The conversion
factor is:
1,000 meters = 1 kilometer

1,000 m
Conversion factor in ratio form:
1 km
b. Multiply 3.58 kilometers by the conversion factor.

1,000 m
3 .85 km × = 3,850 m
1 km
57
 c. Now that the depth is expressed in meters, you can easily
convert it to feet. The conversion factor is:
3.28 feet = 1 meter
3.28 ft.
Conversion factor in ratio form:
1m
d. Multiply 3,850 meters by the conversion factor.

3.28 ft.
3,850 m × = 12,628 ft.
1m
e. You can now compare the depths of the two oceans since
both of them are expressed in feet. The Pacific Ocean is
deeper than the Atlantic Ocean.
Pacific Ocean Atlantic Ocean
12,925 feet > 12,628 feet
3. Answer: Taal Volcano is 300 meters high.
SOLUTION:

You must first convert the inches to feet. When the

measurement is already expressed in feet you can easily convert it
to meters.
a. The conversion factor is:
1 foot = 12 inches

1 ft.
Conversion factor in ratio form:
12 in.
b. Multiply 11,808 inches by the conversion factor.
1 ft.
11,808 in. × = 984 ft.
12 in.
984
12 11,808
108
100
96
48
48
0

58
 c. Now that the height is expressed in feet, you can easily
convert it to meters. The conversion factor is:
1 meter = 3.28 feet
1m
Conversion factor in ratio form:
3.28 ft.
d. Multiply 984 feet by the conversion factor.
1m
984 ft. × = 300 m
3.28 ft.

984 m 300
→ 328 98,400
3.28
984
0
0
0

4. Answer: 166 inches

SOLUTION:

a. Convert 421.64 centimeters to inches. The conversion factor

is:
1 inch = 2.54 centimeters
1 in.
Conversion factor in ratio form:
2.54 cm
b. Multiply 421.64 centimeters by the conversion factor.
1 in.
421 .64 cm × = 166 in.
2.54 cm
166
421.64 in.
→ 254 42,164
2.54 254
1676
1524
1524
1524
0

59
 5. Answer: 477 meters
SOLUTION:

a. Convert 519.93 yards to meters. The conversion factor is:

1 meter = 1.09 yards

1m
Conversion factor in ratio form:
1.09 yd.

b. Multiply 519.93 yards by the conversion factor.

1m
519.93 yd. × = 477 m
1.09 yd.
477
519.93 m
→ 109 51,993
1.09 436
839
763
763
763
0

E. What Have You Learned? (pages 43–45)

1. Answer: 23,000 decimeters

SOLUTION:

a. You need to convert the hectometers to meters first before

finally converting the measurement to decimeters. The
conversion factor is:
100 meters = 1 hectometer

100 m
Conversion factor in ratio form:
1 hm
b. Multiply 23 hectometers by the conversion factor:

100 m
23 hm × = 2,300 m
1 hm

60
 c. Now that the measurement is expressed in meters, you can
easily convert it to decimeters. The conversion factor is:
1 meter = 10 decimeters

10 dm
Conversion factor in ratio form:
1m
d. Multiply 2,300 meters by the conversion factor.

10 dm
2,300 m × = 23,000 dm
1m
2. Answer: 650 centimeters
SOLUTION:

a. You need to convert 6.5 meters to centimeters. The

conversion factor is:
1 meter = 100 centimeters

100 cm
Conversion factor in ratio form:
1m
b. Multiply 6.5 meters by the conversion factor. (1 point)

100 cm
6.5 m × = 650 cm
1m
3. Answer: Asiong is the tallest among the three, with a height
of 5.7 feet.
SOLUTION:

In order to solve this problem, you need to express the

heights in the same unit. As provided in the question, we have to
compare their heights in feet.
To calculate Boyet’s height in feet:
a. You need to convert 66 inches to feet. The conversion factor
is:
1 foot = 12 inches

1 ft.
Conversion factor in ratio form:
12 in.

61
 b. Multiply 66 inches by the conversion factor.

1 ft.
66 in. × = 5.5 ft.
12 in.
5.5
12 66.0
60
60
60
0

To calculate Pecto’s height in feet:

c. You need to convert 1.8 yards to feet. The conversion
factor is:
1 yard = 3 feet

3 ft.
Conversion factor in ratio form:
1 yd.

d. Multiply 1.8 yards by the conversion factor.

3 ft.
1.8 yd. × = 5.4 ft.
1 yd.
e. Now that the heights of the three are all expressed in feet,
you can easily compare them. Asiong is the tallest among
the three, with a height of 5.7 feet.
4. Answer: Mount Kanlaon is 245,973.6 centimeters high.
SOLUTION:

First, you need to convert 8,070 feet to inches. When the

measurement is already expressed in inches, you can easily convert
it to centimeters.
a. The conversion factor is:
1 foot = 12 inches

12 in.
Conversion factor in ratio form:
1 ft.

62
 b. Multiply 8,070 feet by the conversion factor.

12 in.
8,070 ft. × = 96,840 in.
1 ft.
c. Now that the measurement is expressed in inches, you can
easily convert it to centimeters. The conversion factor is:
1 inch = 2.54 centimeters

2.54 cm
Conversion factor in ratio form:
1 in.
d. Multiply 96,840 meters by the conversion factor.

2.54 cm
96,840 in. × = 245,973.6 cm
1 in.
5. Answer: The Amazon River is 4,000 miles long.
SOLUTION:

a. Convert 6,440 kilometers to miles. The conversion factor

is:
1 mile = 1.61 kilometers

1 mi.
Conversion factor in ratio form:
1.61 km
b. Multiply 6,440 kilometers by the conversion factor.

1 mi.
6,440 km × = 4,000 mi.
1.61 km

6,440 mi. 4000

→ 161 644,000
1.61
644
0
0
0

63
 References

Encyclopedia Britannica. 2000. Measurement. <http://w.britannica.com/

bcom/eb/article/5/,5716,52975+2+51691,00.html>. November 4, 2000,
date accessed.
Gilbert, Thomas F. and Martin B. Gilbert. Thinking Metric. New York:
John Wiley & Sons, Inc., 1973.
Gwinn, Robert P. Encyclopedia Britannica. Chicago: Encyclopedia
Britannica Inc., 1993.
Hoffman, Mark S. The World Almanac & Book of Facts. New York:
Pharos Books, 1991.
Tapson, Frank. 2000. A Dictionary Of Units. <http://www.ex.ac.uk/cimt/
dictunit/dictunit.htm>. November 4, 2000, date accessed.
The British Weights and Measures Association. 2000. English
Weights and Measures. <http://www.clara.net/brianp/index.html>.
November 4, 2000, date accessed.

64