Compare and convert customary units (Summary)

Learning Objectives Identify common customary units for length, weight, and capacity. Recall key conversion factors between customary units (e.g., feet to inches, pounds to ounces, gallons to quarts). Convert larger customary units to smaller customary units using multiplication. Convert smaller customary units to larger customary units using division. Compare measurements given in different customary units by first converting them to a common unit. Solve real-world problems involving the conversion and comparison of customary units. Have you ever wondered if a 5-foot-tall person is taller or shorter than someone who is 62 inches tall? 🤔 This lesson will help you figure it out! In this summary lesson, we'll review how to compare and convert different customary units o...

TermDefinitionExample Customary UnitsA system of measurement commonly used in the United States, including units like inches, feet, miles, ounces, pounds, tons, cups, pints, quarts, and gallons.Inches and feet are customary units for measuring length. LengthThe measurement of how long something is from one end to the other. Customary units include inches, feet, yards, and miles.A ruler measures length in inches; a football field is measured in yards. Weight/MassThe measurement of how heavy something is. Customary units include ounces, pounds, and tons.A bag of sugar might weigh 5 pounds; a small feather weighs a few ounces. CapacityThe measurement of how much a container can hold, usually for liquids. Customary units include fluid ounces, cups, pints, quarts, and gallons.A milk carton mig...

Converting from a Larger Unit to a Smaller Unit To convert a measurement from a larger unit to a smaller unit, you multiply by the appropriate conversion factor. $$ \text{Larger Unit} \times \text{Conversion Factor} = \text{Smaller Unit} $$ Use this rule when you want to express a measurement in smaller pieces. For example, converting feet to inches means you'll have more inches than feet. Converting from a Smaller Unit to a Larger Unit To convert a measurement from a smaller unit to a larger unit, you divide by the appropriate conversion factor. $$ \text{Smaller Unit} \div \text{Conversion Factor} = \text{Larger Unit} $$ Use this rule when you want to express a measurement in bigger pieces. For example, converting inches to feet means you'll have fewer feet than i...