Hi and welcome to LARN!
Now as many of you may know, when America gained their independence, the British left
something else behind besides their language.
Yes, you've guessed right!
I'm talking about their measurement system.
Or, at least, some of it.
Although the British later partially converted to the metric system, the U.S. decided that
they didn't mind being the black sheep after all.
[Sheep bleats] And they decided to stick with their own measurement system, also known as
U.S. customary measurement system, also known as This-is-how-we-measure-stuff-deal-with-it
system.
Now, to tell you the truth, the U.S. had to give in a little bit at some point.
In fact, in 1975, in order to make things easier in a more globalized economy, the U.S.
decided to adopt the metric system in at least a few fields, like medicine
and the military.
Sir, the target is 4 meters away, no wait.
40 meters away.
No, wait.
400 meters away.
I don't know...
How many meters in a yard?
Now, although the origin of the imperial system dates all the way back to the Romans, I can't
help but imagine that when they decided to create it, things sort of went like this.
Okay, John.
You heard 'em.
Create a new measurement system and have a little bit of fun with it.
So...
Let's say an inch is about this much.
Hmm.
No.
Let's say it's this much.
Yeah, that looks good.
An inch is this much.
Now the foot.
Everybody will probably expect me to pick a number that's easy and predictable.
Something like, I don't know, 10?
[Chuckles] But no, no, no, John.
This is your moment to shine.
This is your chance to make history.
You need to wow them.
Let's do...
12! 12 inches in a foot!
Now for the yard...
What's my favorite day of the month?
Of course!
My birthday!
October 3rd!
So...
3!
In a yard, there are 3 feet.
And lastly, a mile.
[Stomach grumbles]
Oh gosh, I'm hungry.
I'd better wrap it up quickly.
Okay, first four numbers I punch in this anachronistic calculator on my desk will tell me how long
a mile is going to be.
Okay, then.
1- 7 - 6 - 0.
Perfect.
So, in a mile, there are 1760 yards.There, all done.
Bravo, John.
Well, anyway, now if you're not familiar with this system you might need some help trying
to figure out what each unit corresponds to.
So here are a few tips.
If you want to know how long an inch is, just grab a fork.
And measure it this way.
Now, if you want to know how long a foot is, then just grab a regular notebook.
And measure it this way.
And now, if you want to know how long a yard is...
Well, then just grab a guitar!
No, no, no, no!
Don't throw it!
Now, this is a little longer than a yard but it does give you a pretty good idea of how
long a yard is.
And what about a mile?
Well, that's easy!
Just go to Paris!
Since you're already there, well...
Make sure you make a stop to check out the Mona Lisa.
Maybe try some of the local food.
And then head straight to the Eiffel Tower.
And imagine stacking about about five of those and you got yourself a mile!
Well, I hope I've helped you figuring out a little bit how the U.S. measurement system
works.
So, go ahead!
Have fun and measure stuff now 'cause you can do it!
Thanks for watching!
Bye!
Hi!
And welcome to LARN!
Hi!
No, I was supposed to do it before.
I have to do it again.
So let's take the ---.
Try to throw it a little more straight.
You might need some help in figuring out ---. Figuring out which ----.