Converting Larger Customary Units to Smaller Units
This Grade 4 Eureka Math skill teaches students to convert larger customary units to smaller ones by multiplying by the conversion factor. Key conversions include: 1 pound = 16 ounces (so 5 pounds = 80 ounces), 1 yard = 3 feet (so 8 yards = 24 feet), and 1 foot = 12 inches. Students multiply the number of larger units by the conversion factor to get the total in smaller units. This systematic approach from Chapter 34 of Eureka Math Grade 4 builds fluency with the U.S. customary measurement system.
Key Concepts
To convert a measurement from a larger customary unit to a smaller one, multiply the number of larger units by the conversion factor. Pounds to Ounces: $1 \text{ pound} = 16 \text{ ounces}$ Yards to Feet: $1 \text{ yard} = 3 \text{ feet}$ Feet to Inches: $1 \text{ foot} = 12 \text{ inches}$.
Common Questions
How do you convert pounds to ounces?
Multiply the number of pounds by 16, since 1 pound = 16 ounces. For 5 pounds: 5 times 16 = 80 ounces.
How do you convert yards to feet?
Multiply the number of yards by 3, since 1 yard = 3 feet. For 8 yards: 8 times 3 = 24 feet.
How do you convert feet to inches?
Multiply the number of feet by 12, since 1 foot = 12 inches. For 4 feet: 4 times 12 = 48 inches.
Why do you multiply when converting larger units to smaller units?
Smaller units are more numerous than larger units. Since each larger unit contains multiple smaller units, you multiply by the conversion factor to find the total smaller units.
What are the key customary measurement conversion facts to know?
1 foot = 12 inches, 1 yard = 3 feet, 1 yard = 36 inches, 1 pound = 16 ounces, 1 ton = 2,000 pounds, 1 gallon = 4 quarts, 1 quart = 2 pints, 1 pint = 2 cups.