Convert Customary Units of Length

Convert Customary Units of Length

Welcome to our lesson on converting customary units of length! This topic is vital for understanding how different length units like inches, feet, yards, and miles relate to each other in the U.S. customary system. If you need some background learning on customary measurements, then check out Inches, Feet, Yards, and Miles first! Mastering this topic will help you in everyday measurements and math problems involving length. Let's dive in and make these conversions easy to understand.

Understanding Convert Customary Units of Length

To convert between these units, we use multiplication or division based on how these units relate to each other.

When converting from a smaller unit to a larger unit, you use division. When converting from a larger unit to a smaller unit, you use multiplication. Here's a detailed explanation:

• Converting between Inches and Feet: Since there are 12 inches in a foot, to convert inches to feet, you divide the number of inches by 12. This means to convert feet to inches, you multiply the number of feet by 12.

• Converting between Feet and Yards: There are 3 feet in a yard. So, to convert feet to yards, divide the number of feet by 3. To convert yards to feet you need to multiply the number of yards by 3.

• Converting between Yards and Miles: One mile equals 1760 yards. To find out how many miles are in a certain number of yards, divide the number of yards by 1760. To find out how many yards are in a certain number of miles, you multiply the number of miles by 1760.

• Converting Between Inches and Yards or Miles: To convert inches directly to yards, divide the number of inches by 36 (since there are 36 inches in a yard). To convert inches to miles, divide the number of inches by 63,360 (the number of inches in a mile).

• Converting Between Feet and Miles: To convert feet to miles, divide the number of feet by 5280 (since there are 5280 feet in a mile). To convert miles to feet, multiply the number of miles by 5280.

Here's a simple table to help you remember these key conversions:

Let’s check your understanding before we practice converting customary units of length.

Convert Customary Units of Length – Detailed Examples

Now we can walk through how to convert customary units of lengths with two examples. Make sure to follow along carefully to understand the step-by-step solution.

First, let’s convert 48 inches to feet.

Understand the Relationship: Remember that 1 foot is equal to 12 inches. This means for every 12 inches, we have 1 foot. Set Up the Operation: Since you have 48 inches, and you need to find out how many feet that is, you'll divide since you are converting a smaller unit to a larger unit. Calculate: Perform the division: 48 ÷ 12 = 4. Conclusion: So, 48 inches are equal to 4 feet.

Now let’s convert 5 yards to feet.

Understand the Relationship: Remember that 1 yard equals 3 feet. Set Up the Operation: You have 5 yards, and you want to know how many feet that is. Since each yard is 3 feet, you will multiply, since you are converting a larger unit to a smaller unit. Calculate: Perform the multiplication: 5 x 3 = 15. Conclusion: Therefore, 5 yards equals 15 feet.

Following these steps and thought processes as you convert customary units of length will help you. Make a note of the steps if you need to!

Convert Customary Units of Length – Guided Practice

Let’s walk through two problems together this time.

How many yards are in 9 feet?

How many yards and there in 2 miles?

Covert Customary Units of Length – Application

Now you are ready to solve conversions of customary units of length on your own! Try these four questions independently.

Convert Customary Units of Length – Summary

Explore more on our platform with interactive practice problems, engaging videos, and printable worksheets to enhance your learning experience. If you need extra support on this topic, check out Converting Inches and Feet.

Convert Customary Units of Length Frequently Asked Questions