Definition of Customary Units with Conversions and Solved Examples
Customary systems are the systems for weights and measures that are used in the United States and other countries. We find the usage of customary systems for measuring length, weight, capacity and temperature. These customary systems measure everything in terms of units. Like we measure length and distances in the customary system in inches, feet, yards and miles.
For example, a system based on the yard is a unit of length, the pound is the unit of weight, the gallon is the unit of liquid volume, and the bushel is the unit of dry volume.
Here, on this page, we will cover more about the customary system and the units in detail.
Key Concepts of US-Based Customary Units
Table for Customary Equivalent of Length and Distances
Table for the US Customary Weight Units
Table for the U.S Customary Capacity or Volume Measurement Units
Customary Units for Temperature Measurement
The U.S. customary unit for temperature measurement is °Fahrenheit. So, the °F value is given as;
1 °C = 33.8 °F
MCQs on Customary Systems and Units
1. 8 yards is equal to how many feet?
23
21
24
26
Answer: option c
We know that 1 yard = 3 feet, so 8 feet = 3 times of yards value, i.e., 8 x 3 = 24.
Therefore, 8 yards is equal to 24 feet is the answer.
2. How many ounces make 12 pounds?
80
56
64
192
Answer: option d
We know that 1 pound is equal to 16 ounces. Here, we have to find ‘?’ ounces to make 12 pounds. Let us solve this problem:
1 pound = 16 ounces
? = 12 pounds
16 12
16 (10 + 2)
(16 10) + (16 2)
160 + 32
=192
So, 192 ounces make 12 pounds, which is our required answer among the four options.
3. 2 gallons equal how many pints?
16 pints
18 pints
19 pints
20 pints
Answer: option c
1 gallon is equal to 9.6076 U.S. liquid pint. So, 2 gallons = 12 times the 9.6076 U.S. liquid pint. So, we have
2 9.6076
=(2 9.0000) + (2 0.6076)
= 18.0000 + 1.2152
= 19.2152 approx. equal to 19 pints
So, our answer is option C i.e., 19 pints.
4. Convert 5°C into Fahrenheits.
338 °F
3.38 °F
190 °F
0.338 °F
Answer: option c
We know that 1°C = 38 °F, so 5°C becomes 5 times the value of 38°F, so here we have:
5 38
= 5 (30 + 8)
=(5 30) + (5 8)
=150 + 40
= 190
So, the desired answer of the °F equivalent for 5°C is 190°F.
This was all about customary systems and their equivalent units for lengths and distances, volume, and temperature. Going through the MCQs solved above will help you give a clear understanding of this concept.
FAQs on Customary Systems and Units in Mathematics
1. What are customary systems and units in math?
The customary system is a system of measurement mainly used in the United States that includes units for length, weight, and capacity. It is different from the metric system and is based on traditional units. Common examples include:
- Length: inch, foot, yard, mile
- Weight: ounce, pound, ton
- Capacity: cup, pint, quart, gallon
2. What are the basic units of length in the customary system?
The basic customary units of length are inch (in), foot (ft), yard (yd), and mile (mi). Their standard conversions are:
- 1 foot = 12 inches
- 1 yard = 3 feet
- 1 mile = 5,280 feet
3. How do you convert inches to feet in the customary system?
To convert inches to feet, divide the number of inches by 12 because 1 foot = 12 inches. Steps:
- Take the total number of inches.
- Divide by 12.
4. What are the customary units of weight?
The customary units of weight are ounce (oz), pound (lb), and ton. Their key relationships are:
- 1 pound = 16 ounces
- 1 ton = 2,000 pounds
5. How do you convert pounds to ounces?
To convert pounds to ounces, multiply the number of pounds by 16 because 1 pound = 16 ounces. Steps:
- Identify the number of pounds.
- Multiply by 16.
6. What are the customary units of capacity?
The customary units of capacity are fluid ounce (fl oz), cup, pint, quart, and gallon. Important conversions include:
- 1 cup = 8 fluid ounces
- 1 pint = 2 cups
- 1 quart = 2 pints
- 1 gallon = 4 quarts
7. How many quarts are in a gallon?
There are 4 quarts in 1 gallon in the customary system of measurement. This means:
- 1 gallon = 4 quarts
- 2 gallons = 8 quarts
8. What is the difference between customary units and metric units?
The main difference is that the customary system uses units like inches and pounds, while the metric system uses meters and grams based on powers of 10. Key differences include:
- Customary: 12 inches = 1 foot (not base 10)
- Metric: 100 centimeters = 1 meter (base 10)
9. How do you solve word problems involving customary units?
To solve customary unit word problems, first convert all measurements to the same unit using known conversion factors. Steps:
- Identify the units given.
- Use the correct conversion (e.g., 1 ft = 12 in).
- Perform the required operation (add, subtract, multiply, divide).
- State the final answer with the correct unit.
10. What are common mistakes when using customary units?
A common mistake when using customary units is forgetting the correct conversion factor, such as mixing up 12 and 16. Important reminders:
- 12 inches = 1 foot
- 16 ounces = 1 pound
- 4 quarts = 1 gallon
