Cell phones can weigh as little as 2 ounces. How many pounds can the cell phone weigh?
The correct answer and explanation is:
To convert ounces to pounds, divide the number of ounces by 16, since there are 16 ounces in 1 pound. If a cell phone weighs 2 ounces, the weight in pounds would be calculated as follows: Weight in pounds=2 ounces16=0.125 pounds\text{Weight in pounds} = \frac{2 \text{ ounces}}{16} = 0.125 \text{ pounds}
Thus, a cell phone that weighs 2 ounces would weigh 0.125 pounds.
Explanation
The relationship between ounces and pounds is based on the standard system of measurement. In the United States, weight is typically measured using the avoirdupois system, where 1 pound is equal to 16 ounces. This conversion factor allows us to easily switch between the two units of measurement.
To convert from ounces to pounds, simply divide the number of ounces by 16. This is important because pounds represent a larger unit of weight compared to ounces. For example, a standard paperclip weighs about 0.2 ounces, and if you were to compare that to the weight of a cell phone, you would find that the cell phone weighs a little more than half the weight of a paperclip, in terms of pounds.
By converting from ounces to pounds, it becomes easier to understand the weight of small objects in the more familiar unit of pounds, especially when you are used to seeing weights in pounds rather than ounces. This is particularly helpful for weighing items like food, packages, or small electronics, like cell phones, where you often see the weight listed in pounds.
In conclusion, a 2-ounce cell phone weighs 0.125 pounds, which shows the importance of understanding how to convert between different units of weight for practical use.