Weight conversions

Two single-step weight conversions. Same multiply-by-1 trick from L4, applied to lb / oz / T.

01 Mini-Lesson Video

▸ VIDEO COMING SOON

A short walkthrough explaining what you need to know and how to solve this question type lands here once it's recorded.

02 What This Looks Like on ALEKS

ALEKS randomizes the numbers each attempt, but the question shape stays the same. Here's an example of what you'll see.

Weight facts table v1

Here are some facts about units of weight.

Unit	Symbol	Fact
ounce	oz
pound	lb	1 lb = 16 oz
ton	T	1 T = 2,000 lb

Fill in the blanks.

(a) 5 lb = oz

(b) 7 T = lb

Heads up: Your ALEKS version will use different numbers. The numbers in the practice below are different too — that way you're exercising the move, not memorizing one answer.

03 How to Solve It

value × (target unit / starting unit)

ALEKS gives you the conversion facts. Your job is to set up the factor in the right direction so the unwanted unit cancels.

5 lb to oz (use 1 lb = 16 oz).

You want oz to survive, so put oz on top of the factor and lb on the bottom.

5 lb \times 16 oz 1 lb = 80 oz

5 × 16 = 80. The lb cancels; oz survives.

7 T to lb (use 1 T = 2,000 lb).

Same setup, different units. Put lb on top so lb survives, T on the bottom so T cancels.

7 T \times 2,000 lb 1 T = 14,000 lb

7 × 2,000 = 14,000. T cancels; lb survives.

▸ COMMON SLIPWrong direction. Setting up 1 lb / 16 oz instead of 16 oz / 1 lb puts lb on top, which means lb DOESN'T cancel. You'd end up with 5 ÷ 16 = 0.3125 lb²/oz, a unit that makes no sense. The fix: always put the unwanted unit on the BOTTOM.

04 Practice — Step by Step

Three quick weight conversions. Two forward, one reverse (to test that you understand the move in both directions).

lb → oz.

Convert 8 lb to ounces. Use 1 lb = 16 oz.

answer =

T → lb.

Convert 3 T to pounds. Use 1 T = 2,000 lb.

answer =

Reverse direction: oz → lb.

Convert 48 oz to pounds. Use 1 lb = 16 oz.

answer =

▸ NICE WORK

You walked the weight conversion both directions.

The recipe doesn't change with the units. Whether it's lb / oz, T / lb, or any other pair, set up the factor so the unwanted unit is on the bottom. ALEKS gives you the facts table; you supply the direction.

Q3 Q5