1. Direct Conversions
Dr. Shildneck

2. Using Ratios To Convert Units
The Process for converting a quantity from one unit measure to another is called Dimensional Analysis.
Through this process we can convert a given quantity to a different unit, but their values are the same.
To convert from one unit to another, we make use of a conversion factor (or ratio), which is a numerical quantity that we can multiply or divide to the number or quantity that we want to convert.

3. Conversion Factors
The conversion factor (ratio), is a form of the number ONE which is made up of equal quantities in different units.
By multiplying a quantity by this number (ONE) you do not change the value of the quantity, rather, you are simply changing the form.

4. Using Conversion Factors
Determine the units of the quantity you have and the units of the quantity you want.
Find the correct conversion factor and write it as the appropriate ratio (fraction).
The fraction you create should have the given units in the denominator and the wanted units in the numerator.
Multiply the given quantity by the fraction, cancelling the given units.
Multiply the numbers and simplify the fraction (making a 1 in the denominator).

5. EXAMPLES BASIC CONVERSION FACTORS
1 hour = 60 minutes 1 hour = 3600 seconds 1 minute = 60 seconds 1 Day = 24 hours
1 year = 52 weeks 1 kg = 2.2 lbs 1 mile = 5280 feet 1 km = 0.62 miles
1 foot = 12 inches 1 yard = 3 feet 1 inch = 2.54 cm 1 kg = 2.2 lbs
Ex 1
Convert 324 feet into yards
Ex 2
Convert 74 kilometers to miles

6. EXAMPLES BASIC CONVERSION FACTORS
1 hour = 60 minutes 1 hour = 3600 seconds 1 minute = 60 seconds 1 Day = 24 hours
1 year = 52 weeks 1 kg = 2.2 lbs 1 mile = 5280 feet 1 km = 0.62 miles
1 foot = 12 inches 1 yard = 3 feet 1 inch = 2.54 cm 1 kg = 2.2 lbs
Ex 3
Convert 960 inches into feet
Ex 4
Convert 55 centimeters to inches