Word Problem: Measurement - 1

We use different units of length for objects of different sizes. Small things are measured in inches, medium things in feet or yards, and long distances in miles. Useful conversions to remember: 1 foot = 12 inches, 1 yard = 3 feet, and 1 mile = 1760 yards = 5280 feet. When you choose a unit, ask: "Is the unit too small, too large, or just right for the object?" The questions below practise choosing the most reasonable unit.

Practice Questions

Q.1. Which unit would you use to measure the length of a bath tub?
(a) inches
(b) feet
(c) yards
(d) miles

(b) feet

Think about how long a bath tub usually is; it is several feet long, not just a few inches.

Inches would be too small and miles would be far too large; yards could be used but feet is the common and convenient unit.

So the correct choice is feet.

Q.2. Which unit would you use to measure the height of a man?
(a) inches
(b) feet
(c) yards
(d) miles

(b) feet

Adults are usually a few feet tall (for example, about 5 or 6 feet).

Inches are used for smaller parts; yards and miles are too large for a person's height.

Therefore, the sensible unit is feet.

Q.3. Which unit would you use to measure the length of a ruler?
(a) inches
(b) feet
(c) yards
(d) miles

(a) inches 

Standard school rulers are usually 12 inches long or marked in inches.

Feet, yards or miles are too large for a single ruler; therefore, we use inches.

Q.4. Which unit would you use to measure the waist of a person?
(a) inches
(b) feet
(c) yards
(d) miles

(a) inches

A waist measurement is usually a number of inches (measuring tape shows inches and centimetres).

Feet would be too coarse; yards and miles are not used for body measurements.

So the correct unit is inches.

Q.5. Which is the most reasonable measure for the thickness of a book?
(a) 2 inches
(b) 2 feet
(c) 2 yards
(d) 2 miles

(a) 2 inches

Books are usually a few inches thick; 2 inches is a common thickness for a paperback or thin hardback.

2 feet or 2 yards would be extremely large thicknesses for a book, and miles are impossible.

Therefore, 2 inches is the most reasonable measure.

Q.6. Which is the most reasonable measure for the distance between Philadelphia and New York?
(a) 96 inches
(b) 96 feet
(c) 96 yards
(d) 96 miles

(d) 96 miles 

Cities are far apart; inches, feet and yards are far too small to measure the distance between cities.

Distances between cities are measured in miles, so 96 miles is the reasonable choice.

Q.7. Which is the most reasonable measure for the distance between the first and second base in a baseball field?
(a) 90 inches
(b) 90 feet
(c) 90 yards
(d) 90 miles

(b) 90 feet

The bases on a baseball field are tens of feet apart; 90 feet is the standard distance between bases.

90 inches would be too short, and 90 yards or 90 miles are too large for a playing field.

So 90 feet is correct.

Q.8. Which is the most reasonable measure for the speed limit of a highway?
(a) 66 inches per hour
(b) 66 feet per hour
(c) 66 yards per hour
(d) 66 miles per hour

(d) 66 miles per hour

Speed limits on highways are given in miles per hour (distance travelled in one hour).

Units like inches per hour, feet per hour or yards per hour are far too small for vehicle speeds.

Therefore, 66 miles per hour is the correct unit and value.

Q.9. Which unit would you use to measure the distance between trees in an orchard?
(a) inches
(b) feet
(c) yards
(d) miles

(b) feet

Trees in an orchard are usually a few feet apart so people can walk between them.

Inches are too small, and miles are far too large; yards could sometimes be used, but feet is the most common unit.

Q.10. Which unit would you use to measure the height of a lamp?
(a) inches
(b) feet
(c) yards
(d) miles

(a) inches

If the lamp is a small table lamp, its height is usually measured in inches.

For very tall street lamps, we would use feet, but for a regular lamp in a home, inches are the sensible unit.