A ruler is one of the basic materials that are required in school. We remember using it to make straight lines during art classes. Your trigonometry teacher has also asked you to use a protractor, which is also a form of a ruler.
We have been using a ruler since kindergarten (and maybe even before that), yet there are some who have taken for granted learning how to properly use a ruler. If you are teaching a kid on using one, here are some tips.
1. Determine the difference between metric and English systems.
The twelve-inch ruler usually has two types of measurements - the metric measurements and the English system.
The metric system uses the meter (which is expressed as centimeters in a ruler). One centimeter is equivalent to 1/100th of a meter.
On the other hand, the English system uses the inch as the unit of measurement. Twelve inches makes one foot, which is the standard size of a ruler. However, there are also times that you will encounter half-foot or even smaller rulers.
The English system may be converted into the metric system using the factor 2.54. Multiply the measurement in inches by 2.54 to get the metric equivalent. Or divide the number of centimeters by 2.54 to get its equivalent in inches.
2. Know how the little lines are to be read.
Aside from knowing the centimeters and inches, you have to notice the lines that come in between each centimeter and inch.
Each centimeter is further subdivided into ten smaller parts by small lines in between each centimeter marker. Each smaller part is equivalent to one millimeter or 1/10th of a centimeter or 1/1000th of a meter. Thus if you are measuring a segment that extends two millimeters after the 3 centimeter marker, the measurement may be read as 3.2 cm.
Reading measurements using the smaller lines in the English system may be a bit more complicated. Each inch may be divided into eight smaller parts. Some rulers even have sixteen smaller parts in between an inch. Therefore, when reading measurements in English system, it may be more convenient to use fractions to indicate the intervals. You may say 1 ½ inch, 2 ¼ inches, 3 5/8 inches, or 5 11/16 inches. Because these intervals do not follow the decimal system, you will need to convert the fractions by dividing the numerator by its denominator to get its decimal equivalent.
Once a person has the skills in using the ruler, it will be easier for him or her to use other measuring devices such as weighing scales and measuring cups.By Kenny Leones
PressSearch.org
0 comments:
Post a Comment