How can we use the concept:
Customary Units of Length
Customary units can be used to measure length. Measuring length is used to determine the distance between two points.
This is a list of customary units of length in order from shortest to longest with information about how many units it takes to create the next longest unit.
- Inches
- 12inches=1foot
- Feet
- 3feet=1yard
- Yard
- 1,760yards=1mile
- Miles
Customary Units of Weight
Customary units can be used to measure weight. Measuring weight is used to determine how much force gravity is exerting on an object.
This is a list of customary units of weight in order from lightest to heaviest with information about how many units it takes to create the next heaviest unit.
- Ounces
- 16ounces=1pound
- Pounds
- 2,000pounds=1ton
- Ton
Customary Units of Volume: Customary units can be used to measure volume. Measuring volume is used to determine how much space an object takes up.
This is a list of customary units of volume in order from smallest to largest with information about how many units it takes to create the next largest unit.
Sample Math Problems
1. Which customary unit would be best for describing how much water a spoon will hold?
Solution:
How much water a spoon will hold is a measurement of volume. The length and weight units can be eliminated. There are 5 units left.
Fluid ounces, cups, pints, quarts, and gallons.
A spoon will hold less than a cup of water but more than a fluid ounce. Fluid ounces will be the best choice of units.
2. How many inches are there in 8 feet?
Solution
The conversion factor between inches and feet is 12 inches = 1 foot.
When moving from a smaller unit to a larger unit, multiply by the conversion factor.
8 feet = 8 x 12 inches
8 feet = 96 inches
3.Danica is making a meal for a large number of people. She is doubling the recipe so she has enough for everyone. The recipe calls for 2 cups of milk. How many pints of milk should she buy?
Solution:
Danica is doubling the recipe. The recipe calls for 2 cups. Multiply by 2 to calculate how many cups she needs.
2 cups x 2 = 4 cups.
Convert to pints to see how many pints she would need to have enough milk.
When moving from a smaller unit to a larger unit, convert by dividing by the conversion factor.
4 cups
2 cups/pint = 2 pints
She should buy 2 pints of milk.
Problem
Joe is building a rock wall. He needs 5 tons of rock to complete the wall. If each rock weighs 10 pounds, how many rocks does he need to complete the wall?
