Question

Explain the rules for multiplication and division to conver

units. How do you know when to multiply and when to
divide to convert units of measurement?

Answer 1

When converting units, multiply to go from larger units to smaller units and divide to go from smaller units to larger units. Use conversion factors to perform the calculations, applying dimensional analysis to ensure units cancel out appropriately.

Step-by-step explanation:

When converting units of measurement, you need to decide whether to multiply or divide based on the relationship between the units you are converting from and to. This process uses conversion factors, which are specific values that allow you to convert one unit to another.

For example, to convert from a larger unit to a smaller unit, such as converting feet to inches, you multiply because there are multiple smaller units within one larger unit (e.g., 1 foot = 12 inches). Therefore, if you have 5 feet, you multiply 5 by 12 to find the number of inches. To summarize:

• Multiply when going from a larger unit to a smaller unit.
• Divide when going from a smaller unit to a larger unit.

This approach can be used for any type of unit, such as length, mass, and capacity in both customary and metric systems. When using dimensional analysis, also known as unit analysis, the unit being converted should be on the bottom of the fraction, allowing it to cancel out and leaving you with the desired unit.

Answer 2

Basic Conversion Rule

If you need to convert from a larger unit to a smaller unit, multiply. If you need to convert from a smaller unit to a larger unit, divide.