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Solve measurement word problems

Measurement word problems require interpreting the measured attributes and units, selecting operations from the relationships described, and converting among related units within the customary or metric system before combining or comparing quantities. Solutions may involve multiple steps and whole numbers, fractions, or decimals, with attention to preserving units and distinguishing quantities such as length, mass, volume, and elapsed time; they do not include conversions between measurement systems or advanced rate and dimensional-analysis problems.

Detailed Explanation: Solve measurement word problems

First, identify:

  1. What is being measured—length, mass, volume, or time.
  2. What the question asks you to find.
  3. Which operation matches the situation: add, subtract, multiply, or divide.
  4. Whether the measurements use the same units. If not, convert them before calculating.

Example

Mia has a ribbon that is 33 feet 88 inches long. She adds another ribbon that is 22 feet 99 inches long. How long is the ribbon altogether?

Step 1: Choose the operation.

The ribbons are being put together, so add their lengths:

3 ft 8 in+2 ft 9 in3\text{ ft }8\text{ in}+2\text{ ft }9\text{ in}

Step 2: Add the same units.

Add feet and inches separately:

3 ft+2 ft=5 ft3\text{ ft}+2\text{ ft}=5\text{ ft} 8 in+9 in=17 in8\text{ in}+9\text{ in}=17\text{ in}

Step 3: Convert if needed.

Since 1212 inches equal 11 foot, rewrite 1717 inches:

17 in=1 ft 5 in17\text{ in}=1\text{ ft }5\text{ in}

Step 4: Combine the amounts.

Add the extra 11 foot to the 55 feet:

5 ft+1 ft 5 in=6 ft 5 in5\text{ ft}+1\text{ ft }5\text{ in}=6\text{ ft }5\text{ in}

Answer: The ribbon is 6 feet 5 inches\boxed{6\text{ feet }5\text{ inches}} long.

Always include the units in your answer and check that the result makes sense. Since both ribbons were about 33 feet long, a total of about 66 feet is reasonable.

Learn by doing: Solve measurement word problems

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