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Because with the metric units you only need to know multiplication (or division) by 10, 100, 1000 etc. All easily achieved by simply moving the decimal point. Furthermore, the same conversion factors apply to mass (grams), lengths (metres), and many other derived units - Newtons, Pascals, Joules, Calories etc.

With customary units you need to know tables for a whole range of numbers.

For example, with mass:

16 ounces = 1 pound

14 pounds = 1 stone

8 stones = 1 hundredweight

20 hundredweights - 1 ton

So you need 4 tables for mass.

For lengths you would need 12, 3, 22, 10, 8 (inches to feet to yards to chains to furlongs to miles). A set of 5 tables - involving 4 new numbers.

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Q: Why is it easier to convert within metric units than it is within customary units?
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How can you compare lengths within the customary system or the metric system?

There are conversion factors. Within the customary system, with common units, you use12 inches (in) = 1 foot (ft)36 in = 3 ft = 1 yard (yd)792 in = 66 ft = 22 yds = 1 chain7920 in = 660 ft = 220 yds = 10 chains = 1 furlong63360 in = 5280 ft = 1760 yds = 80 chains = 8 furlongs = 1 mile (mi).Within the metric system10 millimetre (mm) = 1 centimetre (cm)100 mm = 10 cm = 1 decimetre (dm)1,000 mm = 100 cm = 10 dm = 1 metre (m)10,000 mm = 1,000 cm = 100 dm = 10 m = 1 decametre (dam)100,000 mm = 10,000 cm = 1,000 dm = 100 m = 10 dam = 1 hectometre (hm)1,000,000 mm = 100,000 cm = 10,000 dm = 1,000 m = 100 dam = 10 hm = 1 kilometre (km).To convert from a smaller unit to a larger one (left to right) you divide by the conversion factor.In both cases there are smaller and larger units. In the case of the customary system they basic unit-to-next unit conversion often requires yet another conversion factor. In the metric system, the conversion factor is 1,000.


What metric prefixes fall within the range of 103 down to 10-3?

Kilo (103) Hecto (102) Deca (101) Unit Deci (10-1) Centi (10-2) Milli (10-3)


What is the measurement of the standing long jump of a kindergartner?

They should be able to jump within a few inches of their height. This also gives them a set place to hit, making it easier to jump


What is the equation for working out the distance?

The answer depends on the metric being used. With the "normal" Euclidian metric, the distance in 2-dimensional spance between the points (x1, y1) and (x2, y2) is sqrt[(x1 - x2)2 + (y1 - y2)2]. Analogous formulae can be used in spaces with 3 or more dimensions. If using the Minkowski or Taxicam betric, the distance is |x1 - x2| + |y1 - y2|. This metric, also known as the Manhattan metric, is the sum of the differences in the x and the y coordinates. If you start from the corner of x1 avenue and y1 street in a grid (like Manhattan) and want to go to the corner of x2 avenue and y2 street and assuming you do not tunnel through buildings, the distance that you need to travel is the Minkovski distance. There are many other metrics. In fact, there is a whole subject, within mathematics, called metric spaces!


Difference between ton and metric ton?

A ton is 2000 pounds (907.185 kilos).A metric ton is 2200 pounds (1000 kilos).AnswerIt depends on which 'ton' you are referring to. There are two 'tons': a 'long ton' and a 'short ton'. Both are Imperial units of mass. The 'long ton' is used in Britain and most countries within Britain's sphere of influence; the 'short ton' is used in the US and those countries within the US's sphere of influence. The 'long ton' comprises 2240 pounds, whereas the 'short ton' comprises 2000 pounds.The 'tonne' (spoken as, 'metric ton') is a non-SI unit, equivalent to a mass of 1000 kg.A mass of one tonne is equivalent to 0.984 206 (long) tons.A mass of one tonne is equivalent to 1.102 311 (short) tons.As you can see, a tonne is very close to a long ton.

Related questions

How do you convert units within the metric system?

You can use one of the online converter for example http://www.unitarium.com to "convert units within the metric system"


Where can one convert centimeters online?

You can convert Centimeters for free online at the Metric-Conversions Organization website. You can also use the free tools on the website to convert other units within the metric system.


How do convert units within a measurement system?

we use the metric system.Use a conversion table or conversion formula to convert units within a measurement system or between measurement systems. Simple conversions are used within the metric system where conversions are done by multiplying or dividing by a factor of 10.An example of a conversion formula would be converting between Fahrenheit and Celsius degrees. For example:Fahrenheit = Celsius × 9/5 + 32Celsius = (Fahrenheit - 32) × 5/9


How do you convert units within a measurements system?

we use the metric system.Use a conversion table or conversion formula to convert units within a measurement system or between measurement systems. Simple conversions are used within the metric system where conversions are done by multiplying or dividing by a factor of 10.An example of a conversion formula would be converting between Fahrenheit and Celsius degrees. For example:Fahrenheit = Celsius × 9/5 + 32Celsius = (Fahrenheit - 32) × 5/9


How do you convert AUs to miles?

Divide AUs by 92,955,807. (rounded) (Divide by 93 million. It's easier, and it puts you within 0.05%.)


How do you convert decigrams to dekagrams?

Well, within the Metric system, it's always by ten. So, 1 decigram is equals one gram, and one gram equals a decagram?Do the math?:)


Why scientists use the metric system instead of other units of measurement?

The metric system of measurement is internationally recognized and is the standard for measurements within the scientific community . It is internationally recognized and used the world over. It is also easier and more intuitive in that it is based on divisions and multiples of ten.


Can World trade be converted to the metric system?

Time is a relative construct and if a metric measurement for time were to be created it is quite possible. A system in which this existed may be in line with other metric measurements. There may be 100 "Metric" seconds within a minute, and 100 Metric Minutes within a Metric Hour.


What was the Metric Act of 1866?

== == It was a law passed by Congress that allowed the use of the metric system within the United States. (see related question)


What metric system do i use to measure the thickness of a dime?

There is only one metric system. The relevant units, within that system would be millimetres.


How can you compare lengths within the customary system or the metric system?

There are conversion factors. Within the customary system, with common units, you use12 inches (in) = 1 foot (ft)36 in = 3 ft = 1 yard (yd)792 in = 66 ft = 22 yds = 1 chain7920 in = 660 ft = 220 yds = 10 chains = 1 furlong63360 in = 5280 ft = 1760 yds = 80 chains = 8 furlongs = 1 mile (mi).Within the metric system10 millimetre (mm) = 1 centimetre (cm)100 mm = 10 cm = 1 decimetre (dm)1,000 mm = 100 cm = 10 dm = 1 metre (m)10,000 mm = 1,000 cm = 100 dm = 10 m = 1 decametre (dam)100,000 mm = 10,000 cm = 1,000 dm = 100 m = 10 dam = 1 hectometre (hm)1,000,000 mm = 100,000 cm = 10,000 dm = 1,000 m = 100 dam = 10 hm = 1 kilometre (km).To convert from a smaller unit to a larger one (left to right) you divide by the conversion factor.In both cases there are smaller and larger units. In the case of the customary system they basic unit-to-next unit conversion often requires yet another conversion factor. In the metric system, the conversion factor is 1,000.


How would you use the word customary in a sentence?

While it is customary in some cultures to bury the dead within 24 hours, in most Western countries, the burial takes place 3 to 5 days after the death.