Wood Technology & Processes

Self-Check Math Quizzes : Self-Check Math Quizzes

Math Activity 1

Reading a Ruler


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Woodworking projects require the use of a ruler or steel tape to measure distance. Distances include width, length, height, or depth. A ruler is used for finding smaller distances. However, woodworkers usually prefer to use a steel tape. It is useful for measuring stock, setting up machinery, and finding the position of hardware. Inside measurements can be made accurately using the steel tape.

Distances are often measured to the nearest 1/16th of an inch. To find a distance, first measure to the nearest foot. From there, measure to the nearest inch, and then to the nearest 1/16". Reduce fractions of an inch to lowest terms. Lowest terms means that the numerator (top number) and the denominator (bottom number) cannot be divided by a common number. The fraction 6/8 is reduced to lowest terms, 3/4, by dividing the numerator and denominator by 2.

Terms, Symbols, & Abbreviations
ft. = foot or feet
' = foot or feet
in. = inch or inches
'' = inch or inches
lowest terms—describes a fraction in which the numerator and denominator cannot be divided by a common number

Practice Exercise

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Follow these steps to determine distance A on the ruler above.

Step 1Number of feet = 4
Step 2Number of inches = 1
Step 3Number of sixteenths = 2
Step 4In lowest terms, 2/16" = 1/8''. The top and bottom numbers (2 and 16) were divided by 2.
The distance measured = 4' 1 1/8"

Problem Exercises

1.

The distance for A on the ruler is
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A)4/8"
B)4/16"
C)1/2"
D)1/2'
2.

The distance for B on the same ruler is
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A)2 3/8"
B)2 1/2"
C)2 5/16"
D)2 3/16"
3.

Before reducing to lowest terms, the distance for C on the ruler is
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A)3/4"
B)3 3/4"
C)3 3/16"
D)3 12/16"
4.

Measure distance D in lowest terms.
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A)46' 1/4"
B)3' 10 1/4"
C)3' 10 4/16"
D)4' 10 4/16"
5.

Find distance E and reduce the measurement to lowest terms.
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A)42"
B)51"
C)4' 2''
D)4' 50''
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