Compound Measures Worksheets
Maths Worksheets / Compound Measures Worksheets
Printable PDF GCSE Compound Worksheets with Answers
What Are Compound Measures?
Compound measures are measurements that use two or more quantities. Students can identify a few common types of compounds in modern mathematics, including measurements of speed, density and rates of pay.
What Is a Compound Unit?
A compound unit is another term for a compound measurement. In addition to speed, density and rate of pay, pressure and acceleration are measured in compound units.
The key concept behind compound measurements is that they are comprised of two different units. It is important to note the system of measurements being used, as it differs between different areas of the world. The metric system is the most commonly used system of measurement in the UK, but in the United States and elsewhere, the Imperial system is also common. Students should make sure to convert differing units within the compound measurement so they are comparing apples to apples. It doesn’t make sense to use the metric system for one set of measurements and the Imperial system for another. Converting to the metric system if it’s necessary should be the student’s first step.
How Can Students Work Out Compound Units?
Students can work out compound units by substituting known values within a formula.
To determine density, use the formula density = mass/volume. To determine speed, use the formula speed = distance/time. To determine acceleration, use the formula acceleration = change in velocity/time. To determine pressure, use the formula pressure = force/area unit.
Worked Example of Compound Measurement
Once students have gotten a grasp on the basic concept of compound units, they can begin to use them to solve problems.
Let’s take a look at one worked example. If a car is traveling for two-and-a-half hours and makes it 160 miles, how fast is the car traveling in kilometers per hour (kph)? In order to solve this problem, students should substitute the values for time and distance into the formula, speed = distance/time. This would leave them with the equation, speed = 160/2.5. Solving this equation produces the answer: 64 kph.
Where Are Compounds Used?
Compounds are used extensively in chemistry, physics and statistics.
Get Started Learning the Basics with Cazoom Maths Worksheets
Teacher and mathematician Jonathan Robinson points out that compound measurements form the basis of many other more complex mathematical concepts. He teaches his students not only how to solve for things like density and speed but also to, “Use algebraic techniques to manipulate the various formulae so that other measures can be found.”
The only way that students can progress to the point where they’re able to perform these more complex tasks is to get the basics down first. The best way for their adult mentors to help them do so is to download a statistics worksheet that offers examples of compound units and equations that use these measures. Teachers, tutors, parents, and ambitious students can find everything they need to get started right here at Cazoom Maths.