The class decides to focus first on the mode. They know that the mode of the areas corresponds to the measurement of an actual living area. They think that if they figure out how to convert that value from square meters to square feet, they might be able to get started on the other statistics. Jacob observes that a meter is roughly equal to 3.3 feet. He proposes that they multiply the mode of the Japanese data by 3.3 to convert square meters to square feet. Mr. Hamilton asks the class if they agree. Several students nod, but Shanika objects. She points out that they aren't thinking about the fact that the mode is given in square meters and that 1 square meter is equal to about 10.9 square feet. Angela says she doesn't understand where that number comes from so Shanika draws her a diagram (see fig. 7.32) and explains, "See, suppose this is 1 meter by 1 meter. We could make it 3.3 feet by 3.3 feet, then when we multiply to find the area, we get about 10.9 square feet." Her reasoning makes sense to the rest of the class, so they convert the mode value.