Compound Measures

Understanding Compound Measures

Basics of Compound Measures

• Compound measures involve more than one type of measurement. They frequently combine different units to describe complex scenarios, such as speed, density, or pressure.
• Knowing how to calculate and manipulate these measures forms the foundation of understanding real-world mathematical problems stemming from physics, engineering, and other disciplines.

Speed

• Speed is a compound measure of how quickly an object is moving. It is defined as the distance travelled per unit of time and its standard unit is metres per second (m/s) or kilometres per hour (km/h).
• To calculate speed, divide the total distance travelled by the total time taken. This is expressed as speed = distance/time.
• Remember that average speed can be different from actual speed at any given moment, as speed can vary throughout a journey.

Density

• Density is a compound measure that relates the mass of a substance to its volume. The standard unit of density is kilograms per cubic metre (kg/m^3) or grams per cubic cm (g/cm^3).
• To compute density, divide the mass of the substance by its volume. This is expressed as density = mass/volume.
• Objects with a larger density than a fluid will sink in that fluid, whereas objects with a smaller density will float.

Pressure

• Pressure is a compound measure describing the amount of force applied per unit area. The standard unit of pressure is Pascals (Pa) or Newtons per square metre (N/m^2).
• To work out pressure, divide the force by the area over which it is applied. This is expressed as pressure = force/area.
• Greater pressure results in a larger force distribution over a specific area.

Please remember that compound measures provide a way to combine different measurements to better represent real-world scenarios. You should work on examples that involve the manipulation and application of these units.