Solving measurement word problems
These problems use length, mass and volume together with the four operations. First make sure both amounts use the same unit, then work step by step.
Key idea
1 Understand the question. 2 Plan: change units and choose ×, ÷, + or −. 3 Solve. 4 Check. Remember 1 m = 100 cm, 1 kg = 1000 g, 1 L = 1000 mL.
Worked example
Worked example
A rope 5 m long is cut into pieces of 50 cm each. How many pieces are there?
Plan: change to the same unit, then divide.
5 m = 500 cm. 500 ÷ 50 = 10 pieces.
Check: 10 × 50 = 500 cm = 5 m. Correct.
Words in the question give a clue to the operation: total or altogether means add; how much is left means subtract; each or shared equally often means divide; and a repeated amount means multiply.
Remember
- Change to the same unit first.
- Equal sharing or cutting means divide.
- Write the correct unit in your answer.