How many ounces are equal to 7 pounds?
The correct answer and explanation is:
Correct Answer: 112 ounces
Explanation:
To convert pounds to ounces, you need to understand the relationship between the two units:
1 pound (lb) = 16 ounces (oz)
This is a standard conversion in the U.S. customary system of measurement.
Now, to find out how many ounces are equal to 7 pounds, you multiply the number of pounds by the number of ounces in one pound: 7 pounds×16 ounces per pound=112 ounces7 \text{ pounds} \times 16 \text{ ounces per pound} = 112 \text{ ounces}
So, 7 pounds is equal to 112 ounces.
Why This Conversion Is Important:
Understanding how to convert between units is a key skill in many practical situations. For example:
- Cooking: Recipes often list ingredients in ounces or pounds.
- Shipping: Weight limits for parcels might be listed in ounces or pounds.
- Health and Fitness: Body weight or food portions might be tracked in pounds but measured in ounces.
Deeper Insight:
This conversion is part of the customary system, which is commonly used in the United States. In other parts of the world, the metric system is more commonly used, where weight might be measured in grams and kilograms.
Also, this type of problem reinforces the importance of multiplication in real-life scenarios. Rather than memorizing a chart for each weight, knowing the conversion factor (16 ounces in 1 pound) allows you to calculate any equivalent weight using simple arithmetic.
To reverse the conversion (from ounces to pounds), you would divide by 16. For example: 112 ounces÷16=7 pounds112 \text{ ounces} \div 16 = 7 \text{ pounds}
Understanding both multiplication and division in unit conversions gives you flexibility and confidence in solving many everyday problems.