Question

Question #c8bc6

Answer 1

There are a few different methods for converting units. One preferred method is called "scientific conversion", which sets up a multiplication expression to convert units. You can actually convert more than one unit at a time using this method.

I personally find moving the decimal tricky for many students, since it relies heavily on memorization or tricks rather than actually understanding what is changing.

Example 1:

This is an example that shows how to convert meters, centimeters, millimeters -- basically ones that you are used to moving the decimal point for:

http://socratic.org/questions/how-to-convert-meters-to-centimeters-or-millimeters

Example 2:

This is an example that shows how to convert miles per gallon to kilometers per liter - so you're not JUST moving a decimal point. This problem is a little more complicated, but shows that you can use this method for any type of conversion.

http://socratic.org/questions/a-car-is-rated-with-a-highway-mileage-of-41-mpg-of-gasoline-how-many-liters-of-g