Ndula, an elephant at the San Diego Safari Park, weighs almost 3.2 tons. Convert her weight to pounds.
The Correct Answer and Explanation is:
To convert 3.2 tons into pounds, we need to know the conversion factor. There are 2,000 pounds in a ton (U.S. ton).
So, the calculation would be:
3.2 tons × 2,000 pounds/ton = 6,400 pounds.
Thus, Ndula weighs 6,400 pounds.
Explanation:
- Understanding Tons to Pounds Conversion:
A ton is a unit of mass or weight that is commonly used in the United States and some other countries. There are several types of tons, such as the long ton (used in the UK) and the short ton (used in the U.S.). The most commonly used ton in the U.S. is the short ton, which is equivalent to 2,000 pounds. - Conversion Process:
The process of converting from tons to pounds involves multiplying the number of tons by 2,000, because that’s how many pounds are in one short ton. In this case, since Ndula weighs 3.2 tons, we simply multiply 3.2 by 2,000, which gives us 6,400 pounds. - Why the Conversion is Important:
Often, animals and large objects are measured in tons because it is a convenient way to represent large masses. However, in contexts like shipping, scientific measurements, and general consumer use, it’s more common to measure weight in pounds. This is especially true in the U.S. where pounds are the standard unit of weight. Therefore, converting tons into pounds provides more useful and standardized information. - Context of the Elephant’s Weight:
By knowing that Ndula weighs 3.2 tons or 6,400 pounds, it’s easier for people to grasp the massive size of the elephant. This also helps in understanding her care, including the amount of food she would need and the space required to accommodate her.
