Customary Measurements You can use the following benchmarks

* Customary Measurements

You can use the following benchmarks to help you understand fluid ounces, tons, and other customary units of measure. Customary Unit Length Weight Capacity Inch (in. ) Length of a small paper clip Foot (ft) Length of a standard sheet of paper Mile (mi) Length of 4 laps around a track Ounce (oz) Weight of a slice of bread Pound (lb) Weight of 3 apples Ton Weight of a buffalo Fluid ounce (fl oz) Amount of water in 2 tablespoons Cup (c) Gallon (gal) Capacity of a standard measuring cup Capacity of a large milk jug

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. B. the diameter of a soup can inches; The diameter of a soup can is similar to the length of a few paper clips. C. the weight of a newborn baby pounds; The weight of a newborn baby is similar to the weight of more than a dozen apples.

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. Write a proportion using a ratio of equivalent measures. pounds tons 2, 000 = 5, 000 mx 1 2, 000 • x = 1 • 5, 000 2000 x = 5, 000 x = 2. 5 5, 000 pounds is equal to 2. 5 tons.

Additional Example 2 Continued Convert 5, 000 pounds to tons. Method 2: Multiply by 1. Multiply by a ratio equal to 1, and cancel the units. 5, 000 lb = 5, 000 lb 1 ton t m 1 2, 000 lb = 5, 000 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. Write a proportion using a ratio of equivalent measures. Method 2: Multiply by 1. Multiply by a ratio equal to 1, and cancel the units.

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. First convert a quarter-pound to ounces pounds 16 = x 0. 25 1 Write a proportion using 16 oz = 1 lb. x = 4 oz 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.