Final answer:
To convert 13 square inches to square centimeters using dimensional analysis, multiply 13 by the square of the conversion factor 2.54 cm per inch. The calculation is 13 * (2.54)^2, which gives an area of approximately 83.8708 cm².
Step-by-step explanation:
To convert 13 square inches (in²) to square centimeters (cm²) using dimensional analysis, we will use the conversion factor that 1 inch is equal to 2.54 centimeters. Here's the step-by-step explanation of the dimensional analysis method:
- State the given quantity:
13 in². - Write the conversion factor between inches and centimeters as a ratio:
1 in = 2.54 cm. - Since we are dealing with square inches, we need to square the entire conversion factor to convert to square centimeters:
(2.54 cm/1 in)². - Set up the conversion such that the unit you want to remove (in²) is opposite of the unit in your conversion factor, allowing them to cancel out:
13 in² * (2.54 cm/1 in)². - Multiply the numbers and calculate:
13 * (2.54 * 2.54) cm². - Complete the calculation:
13 * 6.4516 cm². - The result is the converted measurement in square centimeters:
13 * 6.4516 cm² = 83.8708 cm².
The area of 13 in² is thus equivalent to approximately 83.8708 cm² when using dimensional analysis for the unit conversion.