My niece has this question on her homework.

"Describe two advantages of the SI system over the system of measurement that is still commonly used in the United States."

Does anyone have any thoughts?

The SI system is the metric system. It makes far more sense than our measurements in the U.S. Everything in the SI system is based on units of 10. For example, 1 kilometer = 1,000 meters; 1 meter = 100 centimeters; 1 centimeter = 10 millimeters.

In our system, 1 mile = 5,240 feet; 1 yard = 3 feet; 1 foot = 12 inches; 1 inch is divided into fractions like 1/2, 1/4, 1/8, etc.

For more information check this site.

http://physics.nist.gov/cuu/Units/introduction.html

Thank you very much!!!

You're very welcome.

Certainly! The SI system, also known as the International System of Units or the metric system, offers several advantages over the customary system of measurement used in the United States. Here are two advantages you can describe:

1. Uniformity and Standardization: One advantage of the SI system is its universal nature. It is used worldwide and adopted by the majority of countries, ensuring consistency and ease of communication across borders. This uniformity allows for a standardized system of measurement in various fields, including science, trade, and engineering. In contrast, the customary system used in the United States can lead to confusion due to its lack of international acceptance and its complex conversion factors.

To explain this advantage to your niece, you can mention that by using the SI system, people from different countries can communicate measurements efficiently, without the need for conversions or misunderstandings. Standardization promotes clarity and accuracy in scientific experiments, manufacturing processes, and everyday situations like travel or commerce.

2. Simplicity and Coherence: Another advantage of the SI system is its simplicity and coherence. SI units are based on decimal multiples or submultiples of ten, which makes them easy to convert between and use in calculations. This ease of computation is especially beneficial in scientific and mathematical applications. In contrast, the customary system has complex conversion factors, often involving fractions or irregular relationships between units, which can be challenging to work with.

To explain this advantage to your niece, you can give examples of how SI units make calculations and conversions straightforward. For instance, in the SI system, converting from centimeters to meters only requires moving the decimal point two places to the left, whereas converting between inches and feet in the customary system involves multiplying or dividing by 12.

By highlighting these advantages, your niece can demonstrate her understanding of the benefits of the SI system over the customary system.