ENGLISH TO METRIC CONVERSIONS

Concept: Many math problems involve measurement. It is often necessary to change from one unit of measure to another. Writing a proportion is one of the simplest methods for converting units. Every proportion has four terms. In a proportion problem, one of the four terms is missing. The problem can be solved using the Cross-product Rule.

Cross-product Rule:
To find the missing number in a proportion, cross multiply and divide the product by the third number.

Steps for Solving English to Metric Conversions

Step 1 | Set up the proportion, using the three terms you do know to find the term you do not know. Use the conversion charts as necessary. (Be sure the terms in both ratios are written in the same order.)
Step 2 | Cross multiply.
Step 3 | Divide the product by the third number.
Step 4 | The dividend becomes the fourth term, replacing the X in the denominator of the first number of the equation.
Step 5 | The dividend also becomes the answer. (Convert answer to desired unit of measurement if needed.)

Example 364 feet (ft) equals __________ hectometers.

Step 1 | Set up the proportion, using the three terms you do know to find the term you do not know. Use the conversion charts as necessary. (Be sure the terms in both ratios are written in the same order.) |
Step 2 | Cross multiply. (364 x 30.48 = 11094.72) |
=
1 ft. 30.48cm 364 ft. X
Step 3 | Divide the product by the third number. | 11094.72 ÷ 1 = 11094.72
Step 4 | The dividend becomes the fourth term, replacing the X in the denominator of the first number of the equation. |
=
1 ft. 30.48 cm 364 ft. 11094.72 cm
Step 5 | The dividend also becomes the answer. (Convert answer to desired unit of measurement if needed.) | 11094.72 cm equals 1.109 hectometers