Unit 4 · Standard 6.RP.3d
Convert Measurement Units
Key Vocabulary Level 1 support
Picture first, then the word, then a plain-language meaning. Say each word out loud.
1 foot = 12 inches, so the factor is 12
Conversion Factor
A ratio that helps you change one unit into another.
Inches, feet, pounds, ounces
Unit
A standard amount used to measure, like an inch or a liter.
2 feet = 24 inches
Equivalent
Having the same value, just in different units.
12 inches per 1 foot
Ratio
A way to compare two amounts.
12 inches = 1 foot, 3 feet = 1 yard, 16 ounces = 1 pound
Customary units
The U.S. way of measuring, like inches, feet, and pounds.
1 meter = 100 centimeters, 1 kilogram = 1,000 grams
Metric units
A way of measuring by 10s, like meters, liters, and grams.
Key Ideas & Notes
- You're building a brand-new arcade cabinet!
- The blueprints use feet, but the parts catalog lists measurements in inches.
- The wiring instructions use yards, and the weight limits are in pounds — but the shipping labels use ounces.
- You need to convert between units to make sure everything fits and ships correctly.
- Use conversion factors to complete the ratio table. Convert each measurement to the target unit.
Think About It
- Why might the blueprint and the parts catalog use different units?
- How many inches are in 1 foot? How many feet in 1 yard?
- How do you decide whether to multiply or divide when converting?
My Notes
Guided Examples
Example 1
How many inches are in 7 feet?
Solution: 7 × 12 = 84 inches.
Answer: A. 84 inches
Example 2
How many feet are in 3 yards?
Solution: 1 yard = 3 feet. 3 × 3 = 9 feet.
Answer: A. 9 feet
Example 3
How many ounces are in 4 pounds?
Solution: 1 pound = 16 ounces. 4 × 16 = 64 ounces.
Answer: A. 64 ounces
Write About the Math The Writing Revolution
I can explain my conversion using the words conversion factor, unit, equivalent, and ratio.
1. Kernel Sentence subject + verb
Model: Unit is a standard amount used to measure, like an inch or a liter.Unidad es una cantidad estándar para medir, como una pulgada o un litro.
Write a kernel sentence about unit. Use a subject and a verb.Escribe una oración base sobre unidad. Usa un sujeto y un verbo.
2. Sentence Expansion because · but · so
Kernel: Unit matters in mathUnidad importa en matemáticas
Expand the kernel three ways. Add a reason, a contrast, and a result.
Unit matters in math because ___.Unidad importa en matemáticas porque ___.
Unit matters in math, but ___.Unidad importa en matemáticas, pero ___.
Unit matters in math, so ___.Unidad importa en matemáticas, entonces ___.
3. Sentence Types 4 ways to write a math idea
Tell one true fact about unit.Di un hecho verdadero sobre unit.
Unit ___.
Ask a question about unit.Haz una pregunta sobre unit.
How does ___ ?¿Cómo ___ ?
Show excitement about unit.Muestra entusiasmo sobre unit.
Wow, ___ !¡Guau, ___ !
Tell a partner what to do with unit.Dile a un compañero qué hacer con unit.
First, ___ .Primero, ___ .
4. Explain Your Reasoning use a sentence starter
I multiplied / divided by ___.Multipliqué / dividí por ___.
___ equals ___ because ___.___ es igual a ___ porque ___.
I convert units when ___.Convierto unidades cuando ___.
Try It
Solve on your own. Check the answer key when you are done.
1. Convert 24 inches to feet.
- 2 feet
- 3 feet
- 12 feet
- 24 feet
2. A shelf is 30 inches long. How many feet and inches is that?
- 2 feet 6 inches
- 3 feet 0 inches
- 2 feet 8 inches
- 1 foot 18 inches
Stretch Your Thinking Level 2 enrichment
Challenge task — explain your reasoning in full sentences.
A recipe says you need 5 feet of ribbon, but the store only sells ribbon in inches. Another recipe says you need 2 yards of fabric, but your ruler measures in feet. Convert both measurements and explain the steps you used. Which conversion factor did you use each time?
Sentence starter: 5 feet = ___ inches because ___. 2 yards = ___ feet because ___. The conversion factors I used were ___.
Reflect — Exit Ticket
Which is the correct conversion of 5 yards to inches?
- 180 inches
- 60 inches
- 15 inches
- 540 inches
Answer Key & Teacher Guide
- Try It 1: A. 2 feet — 24 ÷ 12 = 2 feet.
- Try It 2: A. 2 feet 6 inches — 30 ÷ 12 = 2 remainder 6. So 30 inches = 2 feet 6 inches.
- Exit Ticket: A. 180 inches — 5 yards × 3 = 15 feet. 15 feet × 12 = 180 inches. Or: 5 × 36 = 180 inches.
Writing (TWR) — what to look for
- Kernel sentence: A complete sentence needs a subject and a verb. Example: Unit is a standard amount used to measure, like an inch or a liter.
- Expansion: because gives a reason, but shows a contrast or exception, so shows a result. Answers vary; each must keep the kernel idea and add the correct kind of detail.
- Sentence types: Statement ends with a period, question with "?", exclamation with "!", and a command starts with an action verb (a "bossy" verb).