Section 11.1 - Linear Measurement Examples And Worksheets With Answer Key
ADVERTISEMENT
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
13
14
15
16
17
18
19SECTION 11.1 – LINEAR MEASUREMENT
History of U.S. Measurement
The English system of measurement grew
out
of
the
creative
way
that
people
measured for themselves. Familiar objects
and parts of the body were used as
measuring devices.
For example, people
measured shorter distances on the ground
with their feet.
BOY…THAT’S ONE BIG FOOT!
In ancient times, the body ruled when it came to measuring. The length of a
foot, the width of a finger, and the distance of a step were all accepted
measurements.
Inch:
At first an inch was the width of a man's thumb. In the 14th century,
King Edward II of England ruled that 1 inch equal 3 grains of barley placed
end to end lengthwise.
Hand:
A hand was approximately 5 inches or 5 digits (fingers) across.
Today, a hand is 4 inches and is used to measure horses (from the ground to
the horse's withers, or shoulder).
Span:
A span was the length of the hand stretched out, about 9 inches.
ADVERTISEMENT
0 votes
Related Articles
Related forms
Related Categories
Parent category: Education