When multiplying conversion factors, make sure the only remaining units are the desired units.
3.9
Practice makes perfect
Let's start by writing the given statement.
600cm/min&≈ in./sec
In this exercise, we need to change centimeters per minute into inches per seconds. Since this will involve multiple conversion factors, let's organize them in a table.
Starting Unit
Converted Unit
1 centimeter
0.39 inch
1 minute
60 sec
To perform this conversion, we need to multiply the given value by all of these conversion factors. Remember, we need to arrange these ratios such that every unit we do not want gets canceled out and only the units that we want will remain.
We found that 600cm/min is approximately 3.9in./sec. We can now complete the given statement.
600cm/min&≈ 3.9in./sec
Extra
Common Conversion Factors
The following tool can be used to help you explore some of the most commonly used conversion factors. Conversions can be made both within or between the Metric System and the Imperial System — which is also known as the U.S. Customary System.
Around the world, people use conversion factors on a regular basis. You can read more about some practical applications of conversion factors in our original content.
