Unit Eight

Introduction

A part of you engineering profession is to be able to understand different measuring systems and read specifications. In this unit you will discuss the English and metric measuring systems. You will revise and learn to read mathematical expressions, speak about dimensions and specifications.

Objectives:
After this unit you should be able to:

• read and understand English and metric system units,
• read and understand mathematical symbols and expressions,
• read and understand dimensions and technical specifications,
• explain dimensions and technical specifications.

Tasks and Dates

This unit consists of six activities.

To complete this unit you should go thought all activities. Contribute to all forums at least once. Go thought the quizzes.

Measuring systems

When traveling or when reading documents, you might come across the English measuring system. Go to the “Measuring systems quiz” to learn more about the two measuring systems. Complete the reading comprehension questions.

Then study the table below and try to complete the missing words and phrases, use expressions from the list. When you finish go to the “Math” quiz to check your answers.

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minus, take away, times, works, roughly, plus,divided by, multiplied by

Formal	Less formal
6 + 4 = 10
Six ……………. four equals / is ten.	Six and four is / are ten.
10 – 6 = 4
Ten ……………… six equals / is four.	Ten …………… six leaves / is four.
6 x 4 = 24
Six ………………… four equals / is twenty four.	Six …………….. four is twenty four.
6 ÷ 3 = 2
Six ………………. three equals / is two. Six over three.	Three into six is / makes two.
Results and approximations
That …………… out to … That’s exactly …	It’s somewhere around … It’s ……………………….. …

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After that, do the “Mathematical expressions” quiz.
Finally go to the “Measurement” forum complete the task according to the instructions in the forum and upload your answers.

Specifications

Do you know the specifications of a plane? Go through the list of specifications below. The items in the left column are not in the correct please. Write the items in the correct place in the spec list. After that go to “Specification listening” quiz and check your answers.



How would you ask about specifications? Complete the sentences with the words from the box. Then go to “Specification questions” to check your answers.

What´s the length / width / height /________________? (dimensions)

How long /_______________ / high /______________________is it? (dimensions)

How much does it____________________? (price)

What´s it ____________________? (material)

What_________________ fuel does it use / engine does it have? (fuel, engine)

How long does it____________________ to deliver? (delivery time)

What size / colours does it____________________ ? (size, colour / available options)

How long will it_________________________? (durability)

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Finally, go to the listening quizzes. Listen to some specifications and complete the missing information. What are the names of the two cars?