Appropriate Units (SQA National 5 Applications of Mathematics): Revision Note
Exam code: X844 75
Appropriate units
What are metric and imperial units?
Metric units are international standard units of measurement
They use the base 10 system
e.g. you multiply or divide by powers of 10 to convert between them
Imperial units are units that were commonly used in the UK and countries such as the United States
Most places now use the metric system
However, some imperial measurements are still used
Examiner Tips and Tricks
You do not need to know the conversions involving imperial units. You will be given the conversion factors in the exam question if needed.
What are the appropriate units for measuring lengths?
The metric units for lengths are:
Metric unit | Example of what it is used for measuring |
|---|---|
Millimetres (mm) | Thickness of a coin |
Centimetres (cm) | Width of the span of your hand |
Metres (m) | Length of a bus |
Kilometres (km) | Distance between towns |
There are also imperial units such as miles
What are the appropriate units for measuring masses?
The metric units for masses are:
Metric unit | Example of what it is used for measuring |
|---|---|
Grams (g) | Mass of an apple |
Kilograms (kg) | Mass of a whale |
There are also imperial units such as pounds
What are the appropriate units for measuring volume?
The metric units for volumes are:
Metric unit | Example of what it is used for measuring |
|---|---|
Millilitres (cubic centimetres) (ml or cm3) | Capacity of a cup |
Litres (L) | Capacity of a bathtub |
There are also imperial units such as gallons
What other units are used?
For temperature:
degrees Celsius (°C)
degrees Fahrenheit (°F)
For time:
seconds
minutes
hours
For money:
Pounds Sterling (£)
US Dollars ($)
Euros (€)
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