How can we use the concept:
Inches are smaller than feet. It takes 12 inches to equal the same length as 1 foot. The conversion ratio is 12 inches = 1 foot.
If there is more than one foot, there will be 12 inches in each foot so multiplying the number of feet times 12 will result in the number of inches.
Dividing inches into groups of 12 is the same as dividing inches into groups of a foot so dividing the number of inches by 4 will result in the number of feet.
Sample Math Problems
Problem
How many inches are there in 6 feet?
Solution
There are 12 inches in each foot so repeating 12 six times will result in the number of inches in 6 feet.
6x12=72
There are 72 inches in 6 feet.
Problem
How many feet are in 48 inches?
Solution
It takes 12 inches to make one foot. Dividing the 48 feet into groups of 12 will result in the number of feet.
48 12 = 4
There are 4 feet in 48 inches.
Problem
Ian is making a garden wall using stones. Each stone is 9 inches long. His wall is 28 stones long. How many feet long is his wall?
Solution
First calculate the total length of the wall in inches.
28 x 9 = 252 inches
Then convert 252 inches into feet
252 12 =21
Ian’s wall is 21 feet long.
Problem
Aidan is cutting a wooden board down into smaller pieces. The board is 5 feet long. If he divides it into 15 equal pieces, how many inches long will each piece be?
Solution
First find the length of the board in inches.
5 feet x 12 = 60 inches.
Then divide the 60 inches into 15 equal pieces.
60 15 = 4.
Each piece will be 4 inches long.
