Convert Larger Units to Smaller Units

Supplied materials

• Paper and a pencil; drawing and spoken explanations are welcome. An adult may read directions and options aloud.
• Supplied worked-case record: Using 1 meter=100 centimeters, 7 meters is 700 centimeters.
• All quantities and shape descriptions are supplied in the worked example and questions; no purchase or personal information is needed.

Learn the idea

A larger unit contains a fixed number of smaller units. Multiply the large-unit count by that exact factor to express the same quantity in smaller units. The count increases while the physical quantity stays unchanged. Use conversions within one measurement system and preserve the attribute being measured.

Write the supplied conversion factor with its units. Multiply the larger-unit count by the smaller-units-per-large-unit factor. Check by dividing back, and label the answer with the smaller unit rather than the original one.

Write the conversion relation before choosing multiplication. More smaller-unit counts do not mean the measured quantity increased. Make a two-column table pairing one large unit with its fixed small-unit amount.

1. Make a two-column table pairing one large unit with its fixed small-unit amount.
2. Follow the worked example. Point to each number or shape feature and say what it tells you.
3. Write the supplied conversion factor with its units.
4. Try the question and then the three practice questions. Check your answers and explain any change you make.

Check your reasoning

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Take it further

Convert 8 feet using 12 inches per foot. Expected: 96 inches.

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