When multiplying conversion factors, make sure the only remaining units are the desired units.
45mi/h=66ft/s
Practice makes perfect
Let's start by writing the given statement.
45 mi/h= ft/s
In this exercise, we need to change miles per hour into feet per second. Let's start by organizing the relationships between the units in a table.
Starting Unit
Converted Unit
Unit Ratio
1 mile
5280 feet
5280ft/1mi
1 hour
60minute
60min/1h
1minute
60 seconds
60s/1min
To perform this conversion, we need to multiply 45 miles per hour by each unit ratio or its reciprocal. Remember, we want to arrange these ratios such that each unit we do not want gets canceled out, and only the units that we want will remain.
We can now complete the given statement.
45 mi/h=66 ft/s
Extra
Common Conversion Factors
Use the following tool to explore some of the most commonly used conversion factors. Conversions can be made both within or between the metric system and the imperial system, 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.
