Final answer:
In time conversion, multiplication helps change units from larger to smaller by using conversion factors that equate to 1, maintaining the original value's magnitude while altering its unit.
Step-by-step explanation:
Multiplication relates to time conversion as a method of changing from one unit of time to another. When converting from a larger unit to a smaller unit in time conversions, such as from hours to seconds, we use multiplication. To convert 1 hour to seconds, we multiply 1 hour by 60 minutes/hour and then the result by 60 seconds/minute, effectively multiplying by 1 in different forms. This is because each conversion factor used is a ratio of equivalent values, like 60 seconds equals 1 minute. Hence, multiplication allows for a simple and accurate conversion process by utilizing these conversion factors, which equate to 1, ensuring the original value's magnitude remains unchanged while the units change.