SOLUTION: I am trying to figure out what the small lines means in number wise on a grocery store scale. I have read and counted that there are 15 small lines in between the big numbers. My

Question 553950: I am trying to figure out what the small lines means in number wise on a grocery store scale. I have read and counted that there are 15 small lines in between the big numbers. My question is this. For instance, a bunch of broccoli will cost the consumers .98c a lb. So, if I purchase over the amount, how do I do the math? I just know that if I purchase 2 lbs worth, then I pay $1.96 total. But if it goes past the 2 pounds and does not exactly extend to the 1/2 mark but the needle lands in between the big whole numbers and the half mark, then how do I make my calculations from there?
I am told that each small line in between the big bold numbers and the half are numbers, but I do not know what they are...SERIOUSLY....please help me to understand the weight scales in the produce section, I do not know what the numbers are for the 15 lines that are shown when it comes to weighing my food.
Thank you,
Ann
alhrtsnengdcrs@yahoo.com
Answer by KMST(5328) (Show Source): You can put this solution on YOUR website!
Seriously? I assume you are in the USA and fairly new to this country.
Here in the USA, The SI (sometimes called metric system) has been fighting a loosing battle for several decades. The SI units are now used in industry and medicine, but the man on the street (and in the grocery store) still uses pounds and ounces.
One pound has 16 ounces as sub-units. The lines in between mark the ounces. So each one represents 1/16 of a pound. Two ounces would be 1/8 of a pound, 4 ounces would be 1/4, and 8 ounces would be 1/2 of a pound, which should be a longer line.
The hanging scales that I see in the produce section of self-service grocery stores are usually labeled "for estimating purposes only," and the price is based on weight determined at the cash register. I would just estimate the weight to the nearest 1/4 of a pound and use that weight estimate to estimate your price. For example, you may see that your broccoli weighs more than 2 pounds, but the needle went past the 2 pound mark almost half the way to the half pound mark between 2 and 3 pounds. You can estimate it as being 1/4 of a pound past 2 pounds. At 98c a lb it would be $1.96 for 2 lb. and 24.5 c (let's say 25 c) for the 1/4 of a pound extra. Total price estimate will be $2.21. The cash register tape may say that it was 2.23 lb (decimal, not ounces) and costs $2.19.
RELATED QUESTIONS
I have a question about scale drawsing and models. I am in 8th grade math. I know 1 inch... (answered by solver91311)

How many 5 digit number exist between 10,500 and 11,000 if no digit may be repeated? I (answered by jim_thompson5910)

I am trying to help my grandson with his algebra. I have forgotten so much! The... (answered by stanbon)

Hello- I have a math problem that wants me to write a linear equation... The story... (answered by mananth)

I have been trying to figure out a word problem and can't decide if I am on the right... (answered by gsmani_iyer)

I am trying to figure out how to use the log function on my computer. I have three that... (answered by Fombitz)

I have a coffee table that is 5 ft in diameter and i am trying to figure out the sqaure... (answered by ewatrrr)

I am having a problem understanding the steam and leaf problems. I'm trying to help my... (answered by cleomenius)

I have no experiences using a logarithm so I need help trying to figure out how this... (answered by stanbon)