Final answer:
The suitable unit for measuring the distance from Starkville, MS, to Oxford, MS is miles, as they are the standard unit for long distances and provide a clear and manageable way to communicate large measurements without the need for extensive conversions.
Step-by-step explanation:
The appropriate unit of measurement for the distance from Starkville, MS, to Oxford, MS is miles. This is because miles are the customary unit for measuring long distances, with 1 mile being equal to 5,280 feet. When dealing with considerable distances, such as between two cities, utilizing smaller units like inches or feet would be impractical and less comprehensible.
For example, imagine trying to communicate the distance between John's house and Mike's house, which is 4.5 inches on a map with a scale of 1.5 inches equal to 2 miles. To find the actual distance in feet, you would first convert inches on the map to miles and then multiply by 5,280 to get the distance in feet.
It is essential to choose the right unit of measurement to convey distances correctly, and for traveling across varied terrain or planning a route, miles provide a clear and manageable unit of distance.
Other units of measurement like yards are more appropriate for shorter distances, such as between nearby objects; and inches are suitable for even smaller lengths where fine detail is required. Thus, knowledge of when to use each unit of measurement simplifies the process and reduces the need for conversions.