Customary Measurements

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 paperFoot (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 car tons; 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, x = 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.