Unit Conversions

Lesson 2.07

After completing this lesson, you will be able to say:

• I can determine the appropriate conversion factor when converting units.

• I can convert units between metric and customary systems.

Conversion Factors

Conversion factor:

A factor used to multiply or divide a quantity when converting from one unit to another so that units can cancel, which has an overall value of 1.

Conversion Table

It is recommended that you save a copy of this or print it so that you have this readily available for future use. You can print a copy on page 2 of your lesson.

Converting Units of Measure

Step 1: Determine the conversion factor

Step 2: Choose the correct conversion

Step 3: Perform the conversion

Converting units of measure

20 fluid ounces (fl oz) = ___ cups

Step 1: Determine the conversion factor

Step 2: Choose the correct conversionReminder – you want to convert from ounces to cups, chose the conversion factor that will allow units to cancel when multiplied.

Think of it as , which conversion factor will allow the units to cancel?x

Step 3: Perform the conversion x = = = 2 cups

Multiple step conversions

85 inches = ___ yards

Determine the first conversion factor

or Remember, you want to convert from inches to feet. You want the inches to cancel so they should be in the denominator

Frist conversion

Determine the second conversion factor

or Remember, you want to convert from feet to yards. You want the feet to cancel so they should be in the denominator

Second conversion

=

x

Metric Conversions

It is recommended that you save a copy of this or print it so that you have this readily available for future use. You can print a copy on page 3 of your lesson.

Converting Units of Measure

Step 1: Determine the conversion factor

Step 2: Choose the correct conversion

Step 3: Perform the conversion

Converting Units of Measure

Step 1: Determine the conversion factor1 pound = 0.454 kilogram

Step 2: Choose the correct conversionRemember, you want to convert from pounds to kilograms. You want the pounds to cancel so they should be in the denominator

Step 3: Perform the conversion = 23.4 x 0.454 kilograms = 10.6236 kilograms

Max's luggage can be rounded to 10.62 kilograms

Max has a piece of luggage that weighs 23.4 pounds. Convert this weight into kilograms.

Now that you completed this lesson, you should be able to say:

• I can determine the appropriate conversion factor when converting units.

• I can convert units between metric and customary systems.