Lesson 3: Imperial Units and Conversion - Proportion Examples

   Multimedia

A video demonstrating the use of a proportion to solve a conversion problem is provided.


EXAMPLE 2

Use the proportion strategy to complete the following conversion.

5 inches = _______ feet

Solution


\(\begin{align} \frac{y}{5\,\text{inches}}&=\frac{1\,\text{foot}}{12\,\text{inches}} \\ \\ \\ \text{Cross multiply} \\ \\ 12\,\text{inches}\times y&=5\left(\text{inches}\right)\left(\text{foot}\right) \\ \\ \frac{\cancel{12\,\text{inches}}\times y}{\cancel{\color{red}{12\,\text{inches}}}}&=\frac{5\left(\cancel{\text{inches}}\right)\left(\text{foot}\right)}{\color{red}{12\,\cancel{\text{inches}}}} \\ \\ y&=0.417\,\text{feet} \\ \end{align}\)

5 inches = 0.417 feet.

EXAMPLE 3

Use the proportion strategy to complete the following conversion.

58 gallons = _______ quarts

Solution


\(\begin{align} \frac{y}{58\,\text{gallons}}&=\frac{4\,\text{quarts}}{1\,\text{gallon}} \\ \\ \\ \text{Cross multiply} \\ \\ 1\,\text{gallon}\times y&=58\,\text{gallons}\times 4\,\text{quarts} \\ \\ \frac{\cancel{1\,\text{gallon}}\times y}{\cancel{\color{red}{1\,\text{gallon}}}}&=\frac{58\,\cancel{\text{gallons}}\times 4\,\text{quarts}}{\color{red}{1\,\cancel{\text{gallon}}}} \\ \\ y&=232\,\text{quarts} \\ \end{align}\)

58 gallons = 232 quarts


Now, it is your turn! Complete the questions in your Chapter 5, Lesson 3 Practice Makes Perfect that refer to Imperial Unit Conversions Using Proportions.



2014 © Alberta Distance Learning Centre