Dimensional Analysis

Dimensional Analysis: Is a process of converting one unit of measurement to another; used to convert from metric system to English (US) standard system

Dimensional Analysis: Example: If 1 inch = 2.54 cm, how many inches are equal to 4.5 cm? ******************************************************************************************************************************* Step 1: Identify the given value and write it down. 4.5 cm

Dimensional Analysis: Step 2: Determine which unit you want the answer expressed in. 4.5 cm x = ? inches

• Step 3: Choose your conversion factor. Your conversion factor should get you from the units you start with to the units you want to end with. The units you started with should go on the bottom of the conversion factor. The units you want to end with should go at the top of your conversion factor. 4.5 cm x 1 inch = ? inches 2.54 cm

Step 4: Do the math by either multiplying or dividing, depending on the problem. 4.5 cm x 1 inch = 1.77 inches 2.54 cm

Dimensional Analysis: Step 5: Cancel units where possible and write the remaining unit behind your answer. 4.5 cm x 1 inch = 1.77 inches 2.54 cm

Dimensional Analysis: Examples: 7.5 hours = ________ seconds

7.5 hours = ____?___ seconds 1). 1 hour = 3,600 seconds (found in text 1069) 2). Conversion factor is 3,600 seconds 1 hour 3). 7.5 hours X 3,600 seconds = 27,000 seconds

7 cm = ____?___ inches 1). 1 inch = 2.54 cm 2). Conversion factor is 1 inch 2.54 cm 3). 7 cm X 1 inch = ?

7 cm = ____?___ inches 1). 1 inch = 2.54 cm 2). Conversion factor is 1 inch 2.54 cm 3). 7 cm X 1 inch = 2.76 inches

903 inches = ____?___ m 1). 1 meter = _______ inches (use page 1069)

903 inches = ____?___ m 1). 1 meter = 39.37 inches 2). Conversion factor is ?

903 inches = ____?___ m 1). 1 meter = 39.37 inches 2). Conversion factor is 1 m 39.37 in 3). Set up the problem and cancel units

903 inches = ____?___ m 1). 1 meter = 39.37 inches 2). Conversion factor is 1 m 39.37 in 3). 903 in X 1 m = ? m

903 inches = ____?___ m 1). 1 meter = 39.37 inches 2). Conversion factor is 1 m 39.37 in 3). 903 in X 1 m = 22.94 m