Question

estimate each measurement. explain your answer.

1. what is the approximate weight of a penny in metric units?
2. what is the approximate length of a garden rake in standard units?
3. what is the approximate height of the trailer of an 18 - wheeler in metric units?
4. what is the approximate weight of a candy bar in standard units?

problem solving

1. mason is packing 2 - liter bottles of soda into a box at work. each box is rated to hold 15 kilograms. how many bottles of soda should mason pack in each box to prevent the box from breaking? explain your answer.

Explanation:

Step1: Recall weight of a penny

A US - cent (penny) has a mass of about 2.5 grams. In metric units, the weight (more precisely, mass) is approximately 2.5 g.

Step2: Recall length of a garden rake

A garden rake is usually around 1 - 1.5 yards long. In standard (US customary) units, it is about 3 - 4.5 feet long.

Step3: Recall height of an 18 - wheeler trailer

An 18 - wheeler trailer is around 4 meters high in metric units. This is based on typical commercial vehicle height standards.

Step4: Recall weight of a candy bar

A typical candy bar weighs around 1 - 2 ounces in standard (US customary) units.

Step5: Solve for number of soda bottles

The density of soda is approximately the same as water, which is 1 kg/L. A 2 - liter bottle of soda has a mass of $m=
ho V$, where $
ho = 1\ kg/L$ and $V = 2\ L$, so $m=2\ kg$. Let the number of bottles be $n$. We know the maximum mass the box can hold is $M = 15\ kg$. Then $n=\frac{M}{m}=\frac{15}{2}=7.5$. Since we can't have a fraction of a bottle, Mason should pack 7 bottles to prevent the box from breaking.

Answer:

1. Approximately 2.5 g
2. Approximately 3 - 4.5 feet
3. Approximately 4 m
4. Approximately 1 - 2 ounces
5. 7 bottles. Because each 2 - liter bottle of soda has a mass of about 2 kg, and $15\div2 = 7.5$, so 7 bottles should be packed to avoid breaking the box.