Math 98 Supplement 2 - Dimensional Analysis Worksheet With Answer Key printable pdf download

Math 98 Supplement 2 - Dimensional Analysis Worksheet With Answer Key

Dimensional Analysis

Math 98 Supplement 2

LEARNING OBJECTIVE

1. Convert one unit of measure to another.

Often measurements are taken using different units. In order for one measurement to be

compared to another, it is necessary to convert one unit of measurement to another. For instance,

suppose you are visiting Bellingham from Canada. You see the speed limit sign indicating

60mph. How fast should you driving in kilometers per hour? Or, if your height is

165centimeters how tall are in in inches?

“I am 165 cm. How tall am I in inches?”

This problem is an example of unit conversion. You are trying to change one unit (centimeters)

to another (inches). To convert a unit, you need conversion equations. These equations tell you

how different units are related to one another. For example, these are all examples of conversion

equations:

From these equations we get what are called conversion factors.

Note that these conversion factors (fractions) all equal 1 since the numerator and the

denominator of each fraction are equal. You will multiply the quantity with one unit by these

conversion factors so that you can eliminate the unwanted units and go to the unit you wish to

obtain without changing the original quantity described. (Multiplying a quantity by 1 will not

change the original quantity, right? )

Let’s try this problem of converting 165cm to inches using conversion factor!!!

Math 98 Supplement 2 - Dimensional Analysis Worksheet With Answer Key