21 ounces to pounds as a mixed number
The correct answer and explanation is:
Answer:
21 ounces = 1 pound and 5 ounces
As a mixed number in pounds: 15161 \frac{5}{16} pounds
Explanation:
To convert ounces to pounds, you need to know the basic relationship between these two units of weight in the customary system:
- 1 pound = 16 ounces
Given you have 21 ounces, you want to express this amount in pounds and ounces, or as a mixed number of pounds (a whole number plus a fraction).
Step 1: Convert ounces to pounds (as a decimal)
Divide the total ounces by 16 (since 16 ounces = 1 pound): 2116=1.3125 pounds\frac{21}{16} = 1.3125 \text{ pounds}
So, 21 ounces is equal to about 1.3125 pounds.
Step 2: Express as a mixed number
The whole number part is the number of whole pounds: 1 pound1 \text{ pound}
The fractional part corresponds to the remaining ounces over 16: 21−16=5 ounces21 – 16 = 5 \text{ ounces}
So, the fraction is: 516 pounds\frac{5}{16} \text{ pounds}
Thus, 21 ounces=1516 pounds21 \text{ ounces} = 1 \frac{5}{16} \text{ pounds}
Step 3: Interpret the mixed number
- The 1 represents 1 whole pound.
- The 516\frac{5}{16} means 5 ounces out of 16 ounces, which is the fraction of a pound left over.
Why use mixed numbers?
Mixed numbers are often easier to understand than decimals in everyday measurements like weight. Instead of saying “1.3125 pounds,” saying “1 and 5/16 pounds” aligns better with how people typically measure weight using pounds and ounces.
Additional note:
If you want to convert pounds and ounces back to ounces: 1 lb=16 oz1 \text{ lb} = 16 \text{ oz} 1516 lb=1×16+5=21 oz1 \frac{5}{16} \text{ lb} = 1 \times 16 + 5 = 21 \text{ oz}
This confirms the conversion is accurate.
Summary:
21 ounces = 1 pound 5 ounces = 15161 \frac{5}{16} pounds (mixed number form).