Use unit analysis to convert 36 in. to feet. Solution First, identify the units we are given and the units we want to get. Since we are given inches and we want to get feet, write down the relationship between inches and feet: 12 in. 1 ft. Next, multiply the measurement we are given, 36 in., by the unit fraction relating 12 in. and 1 ft so that the inches divide out and we will be left with feet. 36 in. 1 ft 12 in. 3 in. 1 36 1 ft 12 1 in. Divide 36 and 12 by 12; divide out the unit of inches. 3 ft 1 Multiply. 3 ft Simplify. Therefore, 36 in. 3 ft. Let’s summarize the steps for converting from one unit to another using unit analysis. Procedure How to Convert Between Units Using Unit Analysis Step 1: Identify the units given and the units we want to get. Write down the relationship between those units. Step 2: Multiply the given measurement by the unit fraction relating the unit given and the unit we want to get so that the given unit will divide out and leave us with the unit we want. Note The units tell us whether we are doing the conversion correctly. If the units do not divide out, then we are doing the problem incorrectly. EXAMPLE 3 Write out the example on your own paper as you read it. YOU TRY 3 Use unit analysis to convert 120 min to hours. Use unit analysis to convert each measurement to the indicated unit. a) 5 wk to days b) 7 pt to quarts c) 1800 lb to tons d) 5 2 3 yd to feet Solution a) Step 1: Identify the units given and the units we want to get. Write down the relationship between those units. We are given weeks and want to convert to days. The relationship is 1 week 7 days EXAMPLE 4 436 CHAPTER 7 Measurement and Conversion www.mhhe.com/messersmith
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