A standard red brick weighs about 6 pounds. A pallet of bricks contains 400 bricks. Approximately many pounds does a pallet of bricks weigh? lb A truck is rated to carry a load of one ton (2,000 pounds). Is this amount greater than or less than the approximate weight of a pallet of bricks? greater than less than Would this truck be able to haul a pallet of bricks? Yes No
The Correct Answer and Explanation is:
To solve this problem, we need to calculate the total weight of a pallet of bricks and compare it to the weight limit of the truck.
Step 1: Weight of One Brick
We are told that one standard red brick weighs approximately 6 pounds.
Step 2: Number of Bricks on a Pallet
A pallet contains 400 bricks.
Step 3: Calculate the Total Weight of the Pallet
To find the total weight:
$$
6 \text{ pounds/brick} \times 400 \text{ bricks} = 2400 \text{ pounds}
$$
So, a pallet of bricks weighs approximately 2,400 pounds.
Step 4: Compare to the Truck’s Capacity
The truck can carry a maximum of 1 ton, which is:
$$
1 \text{ ton} = 2,000 \text{ pounds}
$$
Since 2,400 pounds > 2,000 pounds, the weight of the pallet exceeds the truck’s load capacity.
Step 5: Answer the Questions
- Approximately how many pounds does a pallet of bricks weigh?
- 2,400 pounds
- Is this amount greater than or less than the approximate weight of a pallet of bricks?
- Greater than
- Would this truck be able to haul a pallet of bricks?
- No
Explanation (300+ words):
This problem is a practical example of multiplication and comparison in a real-world scenario. To solve it, we begin with the known weight of a single item—in this case, one red brick weighing approximately 6 pounds. With 400 bricks on a pallet, we multiply the individual weight by the quantity to find the total load:
$$
6 \times 400 = 2,400 \text{ pounds}.
$$
Next, we are told the truck has a maximum load capacity of one ton, or 2,000 pounds. A common mistake is to assume one ton can carry a lot, but it’s crucial to translate “ton” into pounds to make an accurate comparison.
When we compare the truck’s maximum weight capacity (2,000 pounds) to the weight of the pallet (2,400 pounds), we see that the bricks weigh 400 pounds more than the truck can safely carry. Overloading a truck is dangerous—it can damage the vehicle, cause traffic hazards, or even lead to legal penalties for safety violations.
This kind of estimation skill is vital in fields like construction, shipping, and logistics, where knowing approximate weights helps prevent overloading equipment or vehicles. In conclusion, because 2,400 pounds exceeds the truck’s 2,000-pound limit, it would not be safe or legal for the truck to haul the pallet of bricks.