Metal and Engineering
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Key terms and concepts
| Term | Definition |
|---|---|
| Arithmetic operations | Addition, subtraction, multiplication and division are basic arithmetic operations that can be used with numerals and pronumerals. |
| Calculation method | Refers to the use of a pen and paper, or calculator. |
| Data | A collection of results obtained from information gathering. |
| Decimals, fractions and percentages | These are different ways of representing whole numbers and parts of whole numbers. |
| Dimensions | Used to indicate the size of objects. |
| Estimation | The process of getting an approximate answer to a calculation. |
| Imperial | British system of measurement. Some typical units include feet, inches, gallons and acres. |
| Metric | Decimal system of measurement. Some typical units include metres, litres, and hectares. |
| Perimeter | The length of the boundary of an object |
| Area | A measure of the 2-D space occupied by an object; measured using square units e.g. mm2, m2 |
| Volume | A measure of the 3-D space occupied by an object; measured using cubic units e.g. mm3, m3 |
| Proportion | Proportion is the equality of two ratios. E.g. Question - Divide 20 bricks in the ratio of 2:3. Answer - 2:3 = 8:12. One pile of bricks has 8 bricks in it and the other pile of bricks has 12 bricks. |
| Ratio | Used to describe how you want a quantity divided. |
| Rounding off | Adjusting numbers to assist in getting a rapid estimation of answers. E.g. 3128 x 5186 is ‘rounded off’ to 3000 x 5000. So, 3128 x 5186 is close to 15,000,000. |
| Substitution of correct values | Units need to be consistent, e.g. Question - Add 45 mm and 5 cm Answer - Two possibilities. 45 mm + 50 mm = 95 mm, or 4.5 cm + 5 cm = 9.5 cm |
| Trends | A general tendency; for example, for this group of numbers 12, 14, 17, 19, 20, 23… the trend is they will keep on increasing. |
| Units of measurement | Length can be measured in millimetres, metres etc. Mass (commonly referred to as weight) can be measured in milligrams, grams, kilograms, etc. Time can be measured in seconds, minutes, hours etc. |
| Whole and mixed numbers | Whole numbers for example, 2, 3, 28, 129, etc. Mixed numbers for example, 1⅛, 5 ½, 12 ¾ etc. |
| Work instructions and procedures | These can be formal or informal, written or oral. Instructions and procedures help to maintain quality in the workplace. |
| Workplace documentation | Can include forms, memos, checklists and hand-written or typed instructions. |
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