Learning Goal: Change from one unit to another using ratio reasoning and conversion facts.
Vocabulary
convertTo change an amount from one unit to another, like feet to inches.
conversion factorA ratio that shows how two units are equal, like 12 in = 1 ft.
unitWhat you are measuring with, like inches, grams, or liters.
What You Need to Know
A conversion factor is a ratio of equal amounts, like 1 ft : 12 in.
To go to a smaller unit, multiply. To go to a bigger unit, divide.
Example: 5 feet × 12 = 60 inches (smaller unit, so multiply).
Example: 48 ounces ÷ 16 = 3 pounds (bigger unit, so divide).
Common facts: 1 ft = 12 in, 1 lb = 16 oz, 1 km = 1,000 m, 1 m = 100 cm.
Keep the units labeled so you know if your answer makes sense.
Worked Example I Do — watch how it works
A rope is 2.5 meters long. How many centimeters is that? (1 m = 100 cm)
Step 1. Centimeters are smaller than meters, so multiply.
Step 2. Use the conversion factor: 1 m = 100 cm.
Step 3. 2.5 × 100 = 250.
Answer: 250 centimeters
Guided Practice We Do — try it together
1. How many inches are in 4 feet? (1 ft = 12 in)
💡 Hint: Inches are smaller, so multiply by 12.
2. How many pounds are in 64 ounces? (1 lb = 16 oz)
💡 Hint: Pounds are bigger, so divide by 16.
3. A trail is 3,000 meters long. How many kilometers? (1 km = 1,000 m)
💡 Hint: Kilometers are bigger, so divide by 1,000.
Independent Practice You Do — show your work
1. How many centimeters are in 7 meters? (1 m = 100 cm)
2. How many ounces are in 5 pounds? (1 lb = 16 oz)
3. How many feet are in 36 inches? (1 ft = 12 in)
4. A bottle holds 2 liters. How many milliliters? (1 L = 1,000 mL)
5. How many meters are in 4.5 kilometers? (1 km = 1,000 m)
MCAP-Style Practice
Directions: Answer each item the way you would on the MCAP. For selected-response items, fill in the circle (○) next to the correct answer. For constructed-response items, enter your answer and show your work. Every item below assesses standard 6.RP.A.3d.
Item 1Selected Response6.RP.A.3d
A board is 8 feet long. How many inches is that? (1 ft = 12 in)
Select the correct answer.
Item 2Selected Response6.RP.A.3d
A bag of flour weighs 80 ounces. How many pounds is that? (1 lb = 16 oz)
Select the correct answer.
Item 3Constructed Response6.RP.A.3d
A runner ran 3.2 kilometers. Fill in: that is ____ meters. (1 km = 1,000 m)
Enter your answer in the space provided. Show your work.
Enter your answer:
Teacher Answer Key (click to show)
Independent 1
700 cm
Independent 2
80 oz
Independent 3
3 feet
Independent 4
2,000 mL
Independent 5
4,500 m
Item 1 · 6.RP.A.3d
C — 8 × 12 = 96 inches.
Item 2 · 6.RP.A.3d
B — 80 ÷ 16 = 5 pounds.
Item 3 · 6.RP.A.3d
3200 — 3.2 × 1,000 = 3,200 meters.
Neft Teacher · Grade 6 MCAP Mathematics Review · Standard 6.RP.A.3d