Math Conversions - Help for the Home Schooler

In this article I will explain the four simple steps involved in making math conversion problems easier to understand. If you were to ask me how many miles are in 21,120 feet? I can quickly tell you the answer is 4. Because 21,120 feet divided by 5,280 feet equals 4, it is simple arithmetic. Your child may appropriately ask, "Why didn't we multiply. The last time we did conversions we multiplied. And why did we divide by 5,280, because the last time we talked about miles we used 1,760?" As an instructor it is imperative that I am able to sort through the process and explain each step clearly and not just spit out the answer.

So let's get started.

Set up the equation. For consistency always start with the number you are given. In the previous example the equation would be: 21,120 feet =___ miles. Consistency is important especially if you have a child who needs a lot of review because the pattern needs to be established to assist the learning.

Multiply or Divide. When converting from smaller to larger divide; larger to smaller multiply. Memorize these two statements, it will be a great help later.

Find the special number. The special number is the number of smaller units in one of the larger units. I simply use the phrase special number to help the child remember this step. There is really nothing extraordinary or special about it.

Work out the problem. Quite frankly it is just that simple.

Example 1: Felicity walked 21,120 feet. How many miles did she walk?

1. 21,120 feet =___ miles. Start by setting up the equation with the number given.
2. Divide because we are converting from smaller to larger, feet are smaller than miles.
3. 5,280 is the special number because there are 5,280 feet in 1 mile.
4. 21,120 divided by 5,280 = 4 miles.
5. Answer: 21,120 feet = 4 miles.

Example 2: Samantha walked 7,040 yards. How many miles did she walk?

1. 7,040 yards =___ miles
2. Divide because we are converting from yards to miles, or smaller to larger, yards are smaller than miles.
3. 1,760 is the special number because there are 1,760 yards in 1 mile.
4. 7,040 divided by 1,760 yards = 4 miles
5. Answer: 7,040 yards = 4 miles.

Example 3: Elsie's pool is 54 inches tall. How many centimeters tall is her pool?

1. 54 inches =___ centimeters
2. Multiply because we are converting from larger to smaller, inches are larger than centimeters.
3. 2.54 is the special number because there are 2.54 centimeters in 1 inch.
4. 54 x 2.54 = 137.16 cm.
5. Answer: 54 in. = 137.16 cm.

There it is! The four simple steps to help any student of any age through math conversions.

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