16 Common Measurements with Factor Labeling
If you have lived in the United States for awhile, you will be fairly familiar with common measurements. In this class, we will focus on volume and weight. These are the volume relationships you will need to know:
- 3 teaspoons = 1 tablespoon
- 2 tablespoons = 1 fluid ounce
- 8 fluid ounces = 1 cup
- 2 cups = 1 pint
- 2 pints = 1 quart
- 4 quarts = 1 gallon
And this is the weight relationship you should know:
- 16 ounces = 1 pound
Please note that ounces and fluid ounces are two different things. One measures volume, and is usually used for liquids, and the other measures weight.
To convert between these measurements, we will use something called factor labeling. It might be that you can do these conversions in your head, but in this class you are asked to show your work by setting problems up like this:
How many fluid ounces are in 5 quarts? Start with what you are given, 5 quarts. Set up each conversion with the new measure on top and the old on the bottom. This way they will cancel, and you will end up with an answer in the right measurement:
This problem is set up in the same way. How many cups are in 2 gallons?
Sometimes you will move from a smaller measure to a larger measure. You set up the problem in the same way, but in this case you will multiply across the top, then across the bottom, and finally divide. For example, how many gallons are in 12 cups? Multiply across the top, then
across the bottom. Finally, divide 16 by 12 for your answer. For common volume measures, use fractions.
You can use the same method for pounds and ounces. How many ounces are in 3.5 pounds? For pounds and ounces, use decimals.
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Assignment
Purpose
To practice making conversions for measurements in the common system using factor labeling.
Outcomes
By completing this assignment, you will be able to…
- Know the relationships between weight and volume measurements in the common system.
- Use factor labeling to make conversions between common measurements.
Instructions
To complete this assignment…
- Use the relationships you have been given to make the conversions.
- Use factor labeling to set up the problems.
- Use fractions for common volume measures (cups, teaspoons, etc.) and decimals for weights.
Tips for Success
To help in the completion of this assignment, make sure to:
- Understand whether to use a fraction or a decimal for your answer.
- Include the factor label set-up for each problem in order to get credit.
Common Measurements Assignment
1) 5 cups = ______ fluid ounces
2) 3 pints = ______ tablespoons
3) 2 quarts = ______ cups
4) 16 fluid ounces = ______ teaspoons
5) 4 gallons = ______ pints
6) 6 pints = ______ gallons
7) 5.25 pounds = ______ ounces
8) 24 ounces = ______ pounds
9) quarts = ______ cups
10) cups = _____ teaspoons
11) 12 teaspoons = ______ fluid ounces
12) 36 ounces = ______ pounds
13) 2.75 pounds = ______ ounces
14) 20 tablespoons = ______ cups
15) 3 cups = ______ pints
16) 12 cups = ______ quarts
17) 10 pints = ______ gallons
18) 2 gallons = ______ cups
19) quarts = ______ fluid ounces
20) 18 teaspoons = ______ fluid ounces
