1. Module 2

1.17. Page 2

Mathematics 10-3 Module 2

Module 2: The Imperial System

 

Get Started

 

Many people still think in pounds when stating their weight or buying produce in a supermarket. But how good are they at estimating weight in pounds?

 

This photograph shows a man and a woman pulling suitcases in an airport.

© Rob Wilson/shutterstock

Have you ever travelled by air? If you have, you know that airlines have restrictions about checked baggage. For example, some airlines limit passengers travelling in their economy class to two checked bags, and neither bag can exceed 50 pounds. If passengers check more bags or if their bags are too heavy, the passengers are charged a penalty.

 

How would you decide if one of your suitcases weighed 50 pounds?

 

m10_3_trythis.jpg Try This

 

In this activity you will test your skills in estimating weight in pounds!

 

Work with a partner if possible. You will need a bathroom scale and an empty suitcase or box.

 

Caution: Do not try to handle more weight than you can safely lift.

 

Fill the suitcase with items such as books or canned goods until when you lift the suitcase or box you think it weighs 50 pounds.

 

Now check the weight on the scale.

 

What could you do to weigh the suitcase if it doesn’t balance on the scale? One method is to weigh yourself first. Then stand on the scale carrying the suitcase. Subtract your weight from your weight when holding the suitcase. The difference is the weight of the suitcase!

 

Add or subtract items until you have a 50-pound suitcase!

 

TT 1. How good were you in estimating weight?

 

TT 2. If you were going on a holiday, would you trust an estimate without weighing your suitcase—especially if you were going to be charged extra money if you were over the weight limit?

 

m10_3_share.jpg Share

 

It’s time to share your answers to TT 1–TT 2. Remember that sharing work is an important part of learning. Use the following tips to ensure you get all the benefits from this sharing opportunity:

  • Complete the questions to the best of your ability. Make sure your answers are in a form that you can easily share with another student or with your teacher, if so directed.

  • Use your class discussion area, or another method indicated by your teacher, to post your answers and to view the work of the people you’re sharing with.

  • Compare your answers to the other posted answers. Identify where you have similar answers and where your answers are different. Discuss all differences between answers until you agree on the answers. If necessary, you may wish to involve your teacher in your discussion.

  • Revise your answers where necessary.

Save a revised copy of your work in your course folder. Ask your teacher whether you should also save a summary of your discussion in your course folder.