Unit Conversions

• We need to be able to convert from one unit to another

• The method that we will use is called the factor label method (FLM) or dimensional analysis

UC cont.

• Let the units do the work for you by knowing the connections between units– 12 donuts in a dozen– 100 cm in a meter– 5280 feet in 1 mile

Unit Factors

• This fraction is called a unit factor

1 dozen

12 Donuts

Hints

• We use two math facts with the FLM– Any number divided

by 1 equals itself– Any number times

one equals itself

Sample Problem

• How many donuts are in 3.5 dozen?– Start with what you know– Align the unit factor so that units will cancel out

More Samples

• How many feet in 12.3 miles?

• How many inches in one yard?

• How many in ounces 45 kg?