Student Resources—746

Table 4 Unit System Equivalents
Type of Equivalent
Measurement
Length
Mass
and
Weight*
Volume
Area
Temperature
*Weight is measured in standard Earth gravity.
Convert Between Unit Systems Table 4
gives a list of equivalents that can be used to
convert between English and SI units.
Example If a meterstick has a length of 100 cm,
how long is the meterstick in inches?
Step 1 Write the conversion factors for the units
given. From Table 4, 1 in 2.54 cm.
1 in
and
2.54
cm
2.54
cm
1 in
Step 2 Determine which conversion factor to use.You
are converting from cm to in. Use the conversion
factor with cm on the bottom.
1 in
2.54
cm
Math Skill Handbook
1 in 2.54 cm
1 yd 0.91 m
1 mi 1.61 km
1 oz 28.35 g
1 lb 0.45 kg
1 ton (short) 0.91 tonnes (metric tons)
1 lb 4.45 N
1 in 3 16.39 cm 3
1 qt 0.95 L
1 gal 3.78 L
1 in 2 6.45 cm 2
1 yd 2 0.83 m 2
1 mi 2 2.59 km 2
1 acre 0.40 hectares
°C (°F 32)
1.8
K °C 273
Step 3 Multiply the starting quantity and units by
the conversion factor. Cancel the starting
units with the units in the denominator.
Round your answer based on the number of
significant figures in the conversion factor.
1 in
100 cm 39.37 in
2.54
cm
The meterstick is 39.4 in long.
Practice Problem A book has a mass of 5 lbs.What
is the mass of the book in kg?
Practice Problem Use the equivalent for in and cm
(1 in 2.54 cm) to show how 1 in 3 16.39 cm 3 .
MATH SKILL HANDBOOK 787
Math Skill Handbook