1. Lesson 1

1.5. Explore

Mathematics 20-3 Module 7

Module 7: Volume and Capacity

 

Explore

 

In  Discover you defined volume and capacity in your own words. Even though the terms are used interchangeably, you will use the following definitions in Mathematics 20-3:

  • volume: the amount of space a 3-D object occupies
     e.g., the volume of juice or soft drink in the purchased bottle
  • capacity: the maximum possible volume a container can hold
    e.g., the maximum amount of water the bottle can hold

When determining volume or capacity, whether you are using SI, imperial measure, or United States Customary Units, it is important that you use the appropriate units. The more commonly used units for volume and capacity are shown in the following charts.

 

 
Units for Volume
Imperial foot (ft3), cubic inch (in3), cubic yard (yd3), cubic mile (mi3)
SI (metric) cubic millimetre (mm3), cubic centimetre (cm3), cubic kilometre (km3)

 

 
Units for Capacity
Imperial pint (pt), quart (qt), gallon (gal), cup (c), tablespoon (tbsp)
SI (metric) millilitre (mL), litre (L)

 

United States Customary Units

(Imperial (US))

 United States pint (pt (US)), United States quart (qt (US)), United States gallon (gal (US))

 

What do you notice about the difference between the units used for volume and those used for capacity? Look for patterns to help you remember these different charts.

 

In the United States, milk and juice are commonly sold in gallon, quart, and pint containers. Americans buy gasoline by the gallon. However, these American measures are different from the pints, quarts, and gallons used in Canada.

 

The United Stated quart and gallon are only as large as their Canadian imperial equivalents. This kind of inconsistency is a good reason to use metric units to quote volumes and capacities!

 

Self-Check 1

 

Complete the Units of Volume and Capacity drag-and-drop activity to check your skills with units of volume and capacity. Click on the play button to get started.

 

This play button opens Units of Volume and Capacity.

 

 

You  will use three different methods to help estimate volume and capacity:

  • Method 1: Using Volume and Capacity Referents
  • Method 2: Estimating Linear Dimensions
  • Method 3: Water Displacement