CHARLES K. answered • 10/17/21
Former Tennessee Titan's Teacher of the Year
Parents: Please don't discount the simplicity of this question. I have found over my years of asking middle school students they often speak without thinking. The question is a great "ice breaker" for several math concepts across grade levels. It can also be modified to challenge students at his/her level.
Answer : They are equal.
How? The most common incorrect answer is a pound of bricks. Though one brick is heavier than one feather, the question compared the weights, not the amounts of bricks and feathers. Since a pound is equal to a pound neither is heavier.
Another way of thinking is in terms or money. Question? Which is more $1 or four quarters? This question is similar to the question of the weights of the bricks and feathers. Since four quarters equal a dollar they are equal, also. Therefore, neither is heavier.....a pound of bricks equals a pound of feathers!
1 pound of bricks = 1 pound of feathers
Challenge Question: Since 1 pound equals 16 oz. (1 pound = 16 oz.) ., both are equal too!
Hope you enjoyed!
CHARLES K.
Your question is different from the one I asked if you are talking about the weight of gold in "troy" ounces? If that's the case, feathers would be heavier. Gold (and other precious metals) are measured in troy ounces where 12 ounces, not 16 ounces is equal to a pound. That truly is a "trick" question if you are talking about measuring gold in troy ounces ! My question (bricks/feathers) is comparing the weights of both using the "avoirdupois" weight system where 16 oz. is equal to a pound. I'm also not factoring in mass. Only reason I know is I said "equal" the first time I was asked that question. Thanks!10/18/21
CHARLES K.
Not sure what happened to some of the words in my first post?10/18/21
David W.
Then why is it different for "Which ways more: A pound of gold or a pound of feathers?"10/18/21