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Solve measurement word problems

Measurement word problems are interpreted by identifying the quantities, units, and relationships involved, then selecting and connecting addition, subtraction, multiplication, or division to determine an unknown distance, time interval, mass, liquid volume, or money amount. Reasoning includes converting among related standard units, including mixed-unit quantities, and representing relationships with equations, tables, diagrams, or bar models; the focus is on whole-number measurements and familiar fractions, not unit rates, proportional reasoning, or generalized dimensional analysis.

Detailed Explanation: Solve measurement word problems

Measurement word problems become easier when you:

  1. Find the quantities you know and the quantity you need to find.
  2. Check the units. Make sure measurements use the same units before combining them.
  3. Choose the operation:
    • Add to find a total.
    • Subtract to find what is left or the difference.
    • Multiply for equal groups.
    • Divide to split into equal groups.
  4. Write an equation, solve it, and label your answer.

Example

A ribbon is 33 feet 88 inches long. Mia uses 11 foot 1111 inches. How much ribbon is left?

Step 1: Identify the relationship.

We know the total ribbon and the amount used. To find what is left, subtract:

ribbon left=total ribbon−ribbon used\text{ribbon left}=\text{total ribbon}-\text{ribbon used}

Step 2: Line up the units.

There are 1212 inches in 11 foot. We need to subtract the inches and feet separately:

3 ft 8 in−1 ft 11 in3\text{ ft }8\text{ in}-1\text{ ft }11\text{ in}

Since 88 inches is less than 1111 inches, regroup 11 foot as 1212 inches:

3 ft 8 in=2 ft 20 in3\text{ ft }8\text{ in}=2\text{ ft }20\text{ in}

Step 3: Subtract.

2 ft 20 in−1 ft 11 in1 ft 9 in\begin{aligned} 2\text{ ft }20\text{ in}\\ -1\text{ ft }11\text{ in}\\ \hline 1\text{ ft }9\text{ in} \end{aligned}

Step 4: State and check the answer.

Mia has 11 foot 99 inches of ribbon left.

Check by adding the used ribbon and the ribbon left:

1 ft 11 in+1 ft 9 in=2 ft 20 in=3 ft 8 in1\text{ ft }11\text{ in}+1\text{ ft }9\text{ in} =2\text{ ft }20\text{ in} =3\text{ ft }8\text{ in}

The answer matches the original length, so it is reasonable.

Learn by doing: Solve measurement word problems

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