This vase was filled with water and then the water was poured into this measuring cup to find the vase’s capacity. What was the capacity of water in the vase?

This image shows a vase and a measuring cup filled with 1800 millilitres of water.

Worked Solution

Create a strategy

Use the fact that the water in the measuring cup is equal to the amount of water in the vase.

Apply the idea

Based on the cup's markings, the water volume is 1800 millilitres.

Idea summary

If we have a measuring jug, we can fill a container, then pour it into a measuring jug to find out how much liquid it holds, its capacity.

Estimate capacity

This video uses some everyday objects to estimate capacity.

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Examples

Example 3

Choose the best estimate for the capacity of a rainwater tank.

10 litres

100 litres

100 millilitres

Worked Solution

Create a strategy

Use the table of examples below to compare the capacity of a rainwater tank.

Object	Volume
\text{Milk carton}	100 \text{ mL}
\text{Rubbish bin}	10 \text{ L}
\text{Garden shed}	100 \text{ L}

Apply the idea

Based on the table, the garden shed has a volume of 100 L. So the best estimate for the capacity of a rainwater tank is 100 L because a a rainwater tank and a garden shed are mostly similar in size. So, the correct answer is B.

Idea summary

We often use millilitres (mL) and litres (L) to measure the capacity of liquids.

Outcomes

AC9M3M01

identify which metric units are used to measure everyday items; use measurements of familiar items and known units to make estimates

AC9M3M02

measure and compare objects using familiar metric units of length, mass and capacity, and instruments with labelled markings

10.07 Measure and estimate capacity

Ideas

Are you ready?

Examples

Example 1

Measure capacity

Examples

Example 2

Estimate capacity

Examples

Example 3

Outcomes

AC9M3M01

AC9M3M02

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