Weight conversions

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

01 Worked Example Video

Every step of Weight conversions explained on video. Pause anywhere; the embed scrolls independently of the page.

YOUTUBE

02 What This Looks Like on ALEKS

ALEKS randomizes the numbers each attempt, but the question shape stays the same. Here are two example versions you might see.

Pounds → ounces

Convert 5 lb to ounces. Use 1 lb = 16 oz.

Type just the number (no unit).

5 lb =

Tons → pounds

Convert 7 T to pounds. Use 1 T = 2,000 lb.

Type just the number (no unit).

7 T =

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 The Rule

Set up: \(\text{value} \times \tfrac{\text{target}}{\text{start}}\) so the start unit is on the bottom

Multiply the numbers the unwanted unit cancels

Weight conversions are single-factor: the unit you have goes on the bottom of the factor so it cancels; the unit you want goes on top so it survives. ALEKS gives you the conversion facts (1 lb = 16 oz, 1 T = 2,000 lb) — you supply the direction. See it live: single-step conversion in Easy mode →

Common slip

Wrong direction. Setting up \(\tfrac{1\ \text{lb}}{16\ \text{oz}}\) instead of \(\tfrac{16\ \text{oz}}{1\ \text{lb}}\) puts lb on top — so lb doesn’t cancel. You’d end up with a nonsense unit like lb²/oz. The fix: always put the unwanted unit on the bottom.

04 Practice — Step by Step

Practice this problem step by step

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

Step 1

Pick the factor

Which factor sets up the conversion correctly?

Step 2

Multiply

Compute 8 × 16.

answer =

Q9 Q11

Weight conversions

You walked the conversion end to end.