1. SL#14 How to use Conversion Factors (a.k.a. Dimensional Analysis)

2. Problem:
5,195 g equals how many kilograms?

3. Step 1
Write down the starting value with its units.
5195 g

4. Step 2
Make a fraction out of this number by putting it over 1.
5195 g 1

5. Step 3
Find an equivalency that has both the unit you are starting with and the unit you want to convert to.
5195 g 1
1 kg =
1000 g

6. Because we are converting from grams to kilograms, “1 kg” goes on top.
Step 4
Turn your equivalency into a fraction by putting the number with the unit you are converting to on top.
5195 g 1
Because we are converting from grams to kilograms, “1 kg” goes on top.
1 kg =
1000 g

7. Step 5
Multiply the two fractions, making sure to cancel like units.
1 kg
5195 kg
5195 g = X 1
1000
1000 g

8. Step 6
Complete the mathematical operation and then circle your answer.
1 kg
5195 kg
5195 g
5.195 kg = X = 1
1000
1000 g

9. You have just calculated that 5,195 g equals 5.195 kg!
Way to go!

10. Another Example… 2.4 kilometers equals how many meters?
Note: 1 km = 1000 m

11. Step 1
Write down the starting value with its units.
2.4 km

12. Step 2
Make a fraction out of this number by putting it over 1.
2.4 km 1

13. Step 3
Find an equivalency that has your starting unit and your finishing unit.
2.4 km 1
1000 m =
1 km

14. Step 4
Turn your equivalency into a fraction by putting the number with the unit you are converting to on top.
2.4 km 1
1000 m =
1 km

15. Step 5
Multiply the two fractions, making sure to cancel like units.
1000 m
2400 m
2.4 km = X 1 1
1 km

16. Step 6
Complete the mathematical operation and then circle your answer.
1000 m
2400 m
2.4 km
2400 m = X = 1 1
1 km