Customary Measurements

*Notes 39

Weight of 3 applesPound (lb)

Weight of a buffaloTon

Amount of water in 2 tablespoonsFluid ounce (fl oz)

Capacity Capacity of a standard

measuring cupCup (c)

Capacity of a large milk jugGallon (gal)

Weight of a slice of breadOunce (oz)Weight

Length of 4 laps around a trackMile (mi)

Length of a standard sheet of paper

Foot (ft)

Length of a small paper clipInch (in.)Length

Customary Unit

You can use the following benchmarks to help you understand fluid ounces, tons, and other customary units of measure.

Additional Example 1: Choosing the Appropriate Customary Unit

Choose the most appropriate customary unit for each measurement. Justify your answer.

A. the weight of a cartons; The weight of a car is similar to the weight of a buffalo.

inches; The diameter of a soup can is similar to the length of a few paper clips.

pounds; The weight of a newborn baby is similar to the weight of more than a dozen apples.

B. the diameter of a soup can

C. the weight of a newborn baby

Check It Out: Example 1

Choose the most appropriate customary unit for each measurement. Justify your answer.

A. the length of a pen top

B. the weight of a pitcher of juice

C. the capacity of a jar of peanut butter

Additional Example 2: Converting Customary Units

Convert 5,000 pounds to tons.

Method 1: Use a proportion.

= pounds tons

2,000 1

Write a proportion using a ratio of equivalent measures.

2,000 • x = 1 • 5,000

2000x = 5,000

5,000 m x

x = 2.5

5,000 pounds is equal to 2.5 tons.

Method 2: Multiply by 1.

= 5,000

5,000 lb = 5,000 lb m 1

Multiply by a ratio equal to 1, and cancel the units.

Additional Example 2 Continued

Convert 5,000 pounds to tons.

1 ton t 2,000 lb

1 ton t 2,000

= 2.5 tons

5,000 pounds is equal to 2.5 tons.

Check It Out: Example 2

Convert 24 pints to cups.

Method 1: Use a proportion.

Method 2: Multiply by 1.

Multiply by a ratio equal to 1, and cancel the units.

Write a proportion using a ratio of equivalent measures.

Additional Example 3: Adding or Subtracting Mixed Units of Measure

Allison orders a 6-ounce grilled chicken sandwich. Dominic orders a quarter-pound grilled chicken sandwich. Which sandwich weighs more? Explain.

= ounces

pounds

16 1

First convert a quarter-pound to ounces.

x = 4 oz

x 0.25

Write a proportion using 16 oz = 1 lb.

Allison’s sandwich weighs more because Dominic’s sandwich is only 4 oz.

Check It Out: Example 3

Tedd and Fergie go the hardware store to purchase a bag of nails. Tedd buys a bag of nails that weighs 7 pounds 8 ounces. Fergie buys a bag of nails that weighs 128 ounces. Which bag of nails weighs more? Explain.