Question

Identify the knowns and unknown in the following question: There are 200 pounds in one ton and 16 ounces in a pound. An elephant weighs approximately 8 tons. How many ounces is this?

A. Knowns: 200 pounds, 16 ounces, 8 tons; Unknown: Weight in ounces
B. Knowns: 8 tons; Unknown: Weight in ounces
C. Knowns: 8 tons; Unknown: Weight in pounds
D. Knowns: 200 pounds, 8 tons; Unknown: Weight in ounces

Answer 1

The correct knowns are 200 pounds in one ton, 16 ounces in one pound and 8 tons which is the elephant's weight. The unknown is the elephant's weight in ounces, which can be found by converting tons to pounds, and then pounds to ounces.

The correct option is A.

Step-by-step explanation:

The knowns in this weight conversion question are the unit equivalences (i.e., 200 pounds in one ton and 16 ounces in a pound) and the weight of the elephant in tons (8 tons). The unknown is the weight of the elephant in ounces.

To solve this, you must first convert tons to pounds, and then pounds to ounces:

• Convert 8 tons to pounds using the equivalence of 1 ton = 2,000 pounds:
  8 × 2,000 = 16,000 pounds.
• Then convert pounds to ounces, knowing that 1 pound = 16 ounces.
  16,000 × 16 = 256,000 ounces.

Therefore, the option identifying the correct knowns and unknown is:
A. Knowns: 200 pounds, 16 ounces, 8 tons; Unknown: Weight in ounces.

The correct option is A.