Convert between customary and metric systems

Learning Objectives Identify common units in both the customary and metric systems. Recall or locate common conversion factors between customary and metric units. Apply multiplication or division to convert a given measurement from one system to another. Solve real-world problems requiring conversions between customary and metric units. Understand that many conversions between systems are approximate. Check the reasonableness of their conversion answers. Perform multi-step conversions involving both customary and metric units. Have you ever wondered how a recipe from another country uses grams instead of cups, or how a car's speed limit is in kilometers per hour instead of miles? 🌍 In this lesson, you'll learn how to switch between the two main systems of measu...

TermDefinitionExample Customary SystemA system of measurement primarily used in the United States, including units like inches, feet, miles, pounds, ounces, cups, and gallons.Measuring your height in feet and inches, or buying milk in gallons. Metric SystemA system of measurement used by most countries worldwide, based on powers of ten, including units like meters, kilometers, grams, kilograms, liters, and milliliters.Measuring the length of a room in meters, or buying soda in liters. Unit ConversionThe process of changing a measurement from one unit to another, often using a conversion factor.Changing 1 foot into 12 inches, or 1 kilogram into 1000 grams. Conversion FactorA ratio (fraction) that relates two different units of measurement, used to convert from one unit to another. It'...

General Conversion Rule $$\text{New Quantity} = \text{Old Quantity} \times \text{Conversion Factor}$$ To convert a quantity from one unit to another, multiply the original quantity by a conversion factor. The conversion factor should be set up so that the old unit cancels out, leaving the new unit. Common Length Conversion Factor (Customary to Metric) $$1 \text{ inch} \approx 2.54 \text{ cm}$$ This factor allows you to convert lengths measured in inches to centimeters, or vice versa. Remember it's an approximation. Common Mass Conversion Factor (Customary to Metric) $$1 \text{ kilogram} \approx 2.2 \text{ pounds}$$ This factor helps convert mass from kilograms to pounds, or pounds to kilograms. It's also an approximation. Common Capacity Conversion Fact...