Converting Measurement Units
This Grade 4 Eureka Math skill teaches students to convert between measurement units in both directions. To convert from a larger unit to a smaller unit, multiply by the conversion factor. To convert from a smaller unit to a larger unit, divide; the remainder becomes the smaller unit amount. For example, 5 feet = 5 times 12 = 60 inches. Conversely, 20 ounces divided by 16 = 1 pound with 4 ounces remaining. This bidirectional conversion skill is taught in Chapter 35 of Eureka Math Grade 4 and applies to customary and metric units alike.
Key Concepts
To convert from a larger unit to a smaller unit, multiply by the conversion factor. To convert from a smaller unit to a larger unit, divide by the conversion factor. The remainder becomes the new smaller unit amount.
Common Questions
How do you convert from a larger unit to a smaller unit?
Multiply by the conversion factor. For feet to inches: 1 foot = 12 inches, so 5 feet = 5 times 12 = 60 inches.
How do you convert from a smaller unit to a larger unit?
Divide by the conversion factor. The quotient is the number of larger units; the remainder is the leftover smaller units. For 20 ounces: 20 divided by 16 = 1 pound with 4 ounces remaining.
How do you convert 3 yards to feet?
1 yard = 3 feet, so 3 yards = 3 times 3 = 9 feet.
How do you convert 75 minutes to hours and minutes?
75 divided by 60 = 1 hour with 15 minutes remaining. So 75 minutes = 1 hour 15 minutes.
Why does dividing convert smaller units to larger ones?
Division groups the smaller units into as many complete larger units as possible. The whole number quotient counts the larger units, and any remainder stays as smaller units.
What conversion factors should Grade 4 students know?
1 foot = 12 inches, 1 yard = 3 feet, 1 pound = 16 ounces, 1 kilometer = 1,000 meters, 1 meter = 100 centimeters, 1 hour = 60 minutes, 1 minute = 60 seconds.