1. Math Review

2. This segment is to review math needed for conversions in FSE 120
This segment is to review math needed for conversions in FSE Having examined class dynamics, we understand that many have not done math for some time. I understand that. Having earned an AAS in the 1970’s then returning to college more than 20 years later, I still remember the stress. Working at this material, even when the first instinct is to say “I can’t remember that” will get you a long way. Ask questions of your instructors, ask other students. Being on-line is a bit different, but not unfamiliar, you should and will learn from each other during class.

3. Having a good set of tables to assure you can move between units of measure and measurement systems is important. Several websites will convert data for you, however you need to have some concept of what should result from the formula rather than just plug in numbers.

4. A conversion table is provided in course materials – pages SM-70 through 82. Other portions of this Pre Course material from the National Fire Academy’s Fire Dynamics – Fire Modeling course provide review of mathematical processes and basic physics.

5. Students often ask where they went wrong in answering a question
Students often ask where they went wrong in answering a question. We are glad to help with that, but we need to know how you derived answers. Show your work. If we can see where you got off course, partial credit may be awarded, but if you simply give an answer that is wrong but show no work, we have little choice, it is wrong.

6. Fraction to Decimal 5/8 inch into decimal 5  8 = .625 inch
** Indicate units in your answers

7. Decimal to Fraction When moving from fraction to decimal:
Determine the denominator desired
Multiply the decimal by the numerator
Round the answer.
.43 inch = ?/16ths inch
.43 * 16 = 6.88 rounds to 7
.43 inch = 7/16 inch

8. Conversion between Systems
Determine units between which you want to move.
Develop a table for conversion
Example – 5.5 feet to meters
5.5 ft
.3048 m
5.5 *.3048
1.68
1.68 m
1 ft 1 1

9. Length, Area, Volume Assure the measurements being converted
Length = distance
Area = Length * Width
(distance * distance, shown – number 2)
Volume = Length * Width * Height (distance * distance * distance, shown – number3)

10. 14 m * 6 m = 84 m2
6 meters
14 meters

11. 14 m * 6 m * 3m = 252 m3
3 meters
6 meters
14 meters

12. Area =  r * 2.52
5 meters - diameter
2.5 meters - radius