Question

Express the following using numerals and abbreviations: five and one-quarter teaspoons

Short answer

5.25 tsp

Step-by-step solution

Convert Whole Number

Identify the whole number part of the measurement, which in this case is 'five'. Convert 'five' to the numeral '5'.

Convert Fraction to Decimal

Identify the fractional part of the measurement, which is 'one-quarter'. Convert 'one-quarter' to a decimal by dividing 1 by 4, resulting in 0.25.

Combine Whole Number and Fractional Part

Combine the whole number from Step 1 with the decimal from Step 2. This gives you '5 + 0.25', which results in 5.25.

Abbreviate Unit of Measurement

Recognize that the unit of measurement is 'teaspoons'. Use the standard abbreviation for teaspoons, which is 'tsp'.

Final Expression

Combine the numeral and the abbreviation. The expression 'five and one-quarter teaspoons' becomes '5.25 tsp.'

Key concepts

Fractions

Fractions are an important concept in mathematics and represent a part of a whole. In our exercise, we encountered the fraction 'one-quarter'. This means one part of something that is divided into four equal parts. Whenever you see a fraction, it is made up of two numbers separated by a line. The number above the line is called the numerator, which tells us how many parts we have. The number below the line is the denominator, signifying the total number of equal parts the whole is divided into. For 'one-quarter', the fraction is written as \( \frac{1}{4} \), where 1 is the numerator and 4 is the denominator.

Converting Measurements

Converting measurements is an essential skill, especially in cooking, science, and everyday life instances. Measurements come in many units, and often you need to convert them into another form. For example, you may find a recipe calling for teaspoons, but you only have tablespoons available. Knowing that 3 teaspoons equal 1 tablespoon can help you adjust accordingly.

While converting, it's crucial to know the relationship between different units, such as how many teaspoons are in a tablespoon or how many inches are in a foot. Practicing conversions will make you more comfortable with switching between units, maintaining accuracy in your calculations.

Decimal Conversion

Decimal conversion here involves changing fractions to decimal numbers. For example, the fraction 'one-quarter' is converted to a decimal. This is done by dividing the numerator by the denominator. In our case, divide 1 by 4 to get 0.25. Decimal conversion is helpful when you need a number to be in a format that's easy to use with calculators or when adding and subtracting different measurements.

Decimals are expressed as numbers with a decimal point. They show values less than one whole number in tenths, hundredths, thousandths, etc. Understanding how to convert between fractions and decimals allows for flexibility in mathematical applications.

Abbreviations

Abbreviations simplify the representation of units of measurement and other common terms. They allow quick and easy communication in both writing and conversation. In our example, 'teaspoons' is abbreviated to 'tsp'.

Standard abbreviations exist for most units of measurement—like "cm" for centimeters or "kg" for kilograms. Learning these abbreviations will help you understand instructions and documentation more effectively.

• They save space and time.
• They reduce the potential for errors in interpretation.
• They are universally understood across languages and regions when standardized.

If you're ever unsure about an abbreviation, you can always look it up to ensure clarity.