Chapter 2: Measurement and Dimensional Analysis 1

Chapter 2 – Measurement and Dimensional Analysis

Chapter 2 Learning Objectives:
 Use dimensional analysis to convert between different units of measurement for
length, mass, and capacity
 Use dimensional analysis to convert between units of measurement in the metric
system
 Use dimensional analysis to convert between the metric and standard systems of
measurement
 Use rates and unit rates to problem solve

Section 2.1 – Length

Section 2.2 - Weight
Section 2.3 - Capacity
Section 2.4 - The Metric System
Section 2.5 - Converting Between Systems
Section 2.6 – Problem Solving Using Rates and Dimensional Analysis

Measurement is a number that describes the size or amount of something. You can measure
many things like length, area, capacity, weight, temperature and time.

At times, you may need to convert between units of measurement. For example, you might
want to express your height using feet and inches (5 feet 4 inches) or using only inches (64
inches). This process of converting from one unit to another unit is called unit analysis or
dimensional analysis.

Section 2.1 – Length

Length is the distance from one end of an object to the other end, or from one object to
another. For example, the length of a letter-sized piece of paper is 11 inches. The system for
measuring length in the United States is based on the four customary units of length: inch,
foot, yard, and mile. You can use any of these four U.S. customary measurement units to
describe the length of something, but it makes more sense to use certain units for certain
purposes. For example, it makes more sense to describe the length of a rug in feet rather than
miles, and to describe a marathon in miles rather than inches.

The table below shows equivalents and conversion factors for the four customary units of
measurement of length.

Unit Equivalents Conversion Factors (longer Conversion Factors

to shorter units of (shorter to longer units of
measurement) measurement)
12 inches 1 foot
1 foot = 12 inches
1 foot 12 inches
Chapter 2: Measurement and Dimensional Analysis 2

3 feet 1 yard
1 yard = 3 feet
1 yard 3 feet
5,280 feet 1 mile
1 mile = 5,280 feet
1 mile 5,280 feet

You can use the conversion factors to convert a measurement, such as feet, to another type of
measurement, such as inches. Note that each of these conversion factors is a ratio of equal
values, so each conversion factor equals 1. Multiplying a measurement by a conversion
factor does not change the size of the measurement at all since it is the same as multiplying
by 1; it just changes the units that you are using to measure.

There are many more inches for a measurement than there are feet for the same
measurement, as feet is a longer unit of measurement. So, you could use the conversion
12 inches
factor .
1 foot

If a length is measured in feet, and you’d like to convert the length to yards, you can think, “I
am converting from a shorter unit to a longer one, so the length in yards will be less than the
1 yard
length in feet.” You could use the conversion factor .
3 feet

Dimensional Analysis: The Factor-Label Method

You can use the factor label method to convert a length from one unit of measure to another
using the conversion factors. In the factor label method, you multiply by unit fractions to
convert a measurement from one unit to another. Study the example below to see how the
factor label method can be used to convert a measurement given in feet into an equivalent
number of inches.

Example 1
𝟏
How many inches are in 𝟑 𝟐 feet?

1 Begin by reasoning about your answer. Since a foot

3 2 feet = ____inches
is longer than an inch, this means the answer would
1
be greater than 3 2

1 12 inches Find the conversion factor that compares inches and

3 feet • =___ inches feet, with “inches” in the numerator, and multiply.
2 1 foot

7 feet 12 inches Rewrite the mixed number as an improper fraction

• =___ inches before multiplying.
2 1 foot
Chapter 2: Measurement and Dimensional Analysis 3

7 feet 12 inches You can cancel similar units when they appear in
• =___ inches
2 1 foot the numerator and the denominator. So here, cancel
the similar units “feet” and “foot.” This eliminates
7 12 inches this unit from the problem.
• =___ inches
2 1
7 • 12 inches Rewrite as multiplication of numerators and
=___ inches denominators.
2•1

84 inches
= 42 inches Divide.
2
1
There are 42 inches in 3 2 feet.

Notice that by using the factor label method you can cancel the units out of the problem, just
as if they were numbers. You can only cancel if the unit being cancelled is in both the
numerator and denominator of the fractions you are multiplying. In the problem above, you
cancelled feet and foot leaving you with inches, which is what you were trying to find.

What if you had used the wrong conversion factor?

7 feet 1 foot
• ?
2 12 inches

You could not cancel the feet because the unit is not the same in both the numerator and the
denominator. So if you complete the computation, you would still have both feet and inches
in the answer and no conversion would take place.

Example 2

An interior decorator needs border trim for a home she is wallpapering. She needs 15 feet
of border trim for the living room, 30 feet of border trim for the bedroom, and 26 feet of
border trim for the dining room. How many yards of border trim does she need?

15 feet + 30 feet + 26 feet = 71 feet You need to find the total length of
border trim that is needed for all three
rooms in the house. Since the
measurements for each room are given
in feet, you can add the numbers.

71 feet =___ yards How many yards is 71 feet?

Reason about the size of your answer.
Since a yard is longer than a foot, there
will be fewer yards. Expect your answer
to be less than 71.
Chapter 2: Measurement and Dimensional Analysis 4

71 feet 1 yard 1 yard

• =___ yards Use the conversion factor .
1 3 feet 3 feet

Since “feet” is in the numerator and

71 feet 1 yard
• =___ yards denominator, you can cancel this unit.
1 3 feet

71 1 yard
• =___ yards
1 3
71•1 yard
=___ yards Multiply.
1• 3

71 yards 2
=23 yards Divide, and write as a mixed number.
3 3

2
The interior decorator needs 23 yards of border trim.
3

You Try 2.1

1
a. Use the Factor-Label Method to determine the number of feet in 2 miles.
2
b. A fence company is measuring a rectangular area in order to install a fence around its
perimeter. If the length of the rectangular area is 130 yards and the width is 75 feet, what is
the total length of the distance to be fenced?

Section 2.2 - Weight

You often use the word weight to describe how heavy or light an object or person is. Weight
is measured in the U.S. customary system using three units: ounces, pounds, and tons. An
ounce is the smallest unit for measuring weight, a pound is a larger unit, and a ton is the
largest unit. You can use any of the customary measurement units to describe the weight of
something, but it makes more sense to use certain units for certain purposes. For example, it
makes more sense to describe the weight of a human being in pounds rather than tons. It
makes more sense to describe the weight of a car in tons rather than ounces.

The following table shows the unit conversions and conversion factors that are used to make
conversions between customary units of weight.

Conversion Factors (heavier Conversion Factors

Unit Equivalents
to lighter units of (lighter to heavier units of
Chapter 2: Measurement and Dimensional Analysis 5

measurement) measurement)
16 ounces 1 pound
1 pound = 16 ounces
1 pound 16 ounces
2,000 𝑝𝑜𝑢𝑛𝑑𝑠 1 𝑡𝑜𝑛
1 ton = 2,000 pounds
1 𝑡𝑜𝑛 2,000 𝑝𝑜𝑢𝑛𝑑𝑠

Example 3
1
Use the Factor Label Method to determine the number of ounces in 2 pounds.
4
1 Begin by reasoning about your answer. Since a
2 pounds = ___ ounces pound is heavier than an ounce, expect your answer
4
to be a number greater than 2 1 .
4
16 ounces Multiply by the conversion factor that relates ounces
2 1 pounds • =___ ounces 16 ounces
4 1 pound and pounds: .
1 pound

9 pounds Write the mixed number as an improper fraction.

16 ounces
• =___ ounces The common unit “pound” can be cancelled because
4 1 pound it appears in both the numerator and denominator.

9 16 ounces Multiply and simplify.

• =___ ounces
4 1

9 • 16 ounces
=___ ounces
4 •1

144 ounces
= 36 ounces
4

1
There are 36 ounces in 2 pounds.
4

There are times when you need to perform calculations on measurements that are given in
different units. To solve these problems, you need to convert one of the measurements to the
same unit of measurement as the other measurement. Think about whether the unit you are
converting to is smaller or larger than the unit you are converting from. This will help you be
sure that you are making the right computation. You can use the factor label method to make
the conversion from one unit to another.

The following examples require converting between units of weight.

Example 4
Chapter 2: Measurement and Dimensional Analysis 6

A municipal trash facility allows a person to throw away a maximum of 30 pounds of trash
per week. Last week, 140 people threw away the maximum allowable trash. How many
tons of trash did this equal?
140 • 30 pounds = 4,200 pounds Determine the total trash for the week
expressed in pounds.
If 140 people each throw away 30
pounds, you can find the total by
multiplying.

4,200 pounds = ___ tons Then convert 4,200 pounds to tons.

Reason about your answer. Since a ton is
heavier than a pound, expect your
answer to be a number less than 4,200.

4,200 pounds Find the conversion factor appropriate

1 ton
• =___ tons for the situation:
1 2,000 pounds 1 ton
.
2,000 pounds
4,200 1 ton
• =___ tons
1 2,000
4,200 •1 ton Multiply and simplify.
=___ tons
1• 2,000

4,200 ton 1
=2 tons The total amount of trash generated is
2,000 10
1
2 tons.
10

Example 5
The post office charges $0.44 to mail something that weighs an ounce or less. The charge for
each additional ounce, or fraction of an ounce, of weight is $0.17. At this rate, how much will it
cost to mail a package that weighs 2 pounds 3 ounces?
2 pounds 3 ounces = ___ ounces Since the pricing is for ounces, convert the
weight of the package from pounds and
ounces into just ounces.

2 pounds 16 ounces First use the factor label method to convert 2

• =___ ounces pounds to ounces.
1 pound

2 pounds 16 ounces
• =___ ounces
1 pound
Chapter 2: Measurement and Dimensional Analysis 7

2 16 ounces 2 pounds = 32 ounces.

• =32 ounces
1 1

32 ounces + 3 ounces = 35 ounces Add the additional 3 ounces to find the weight
of the package. The package weighs 35
ounces. There are 34 additional ounces, since
35 – 1 = 34.

$0.44 + $0.17(34) Apply the pricing formula. $0.44 for the first
ounce and $0.17 for each additional ounce.
$0.44 + $5.78

$0.44 + $5.78 = $6.22

It will cost $6.22 to mail a package that weighs 2 pounds 3 ounces.

You Try 2.2

a. How many pounds is 72 ounces?

b. The average weight of a northern Bluefin tuna is 1,800 pounds. The average weight of a great
1
white shark is 2 tons. On average, how much more does a great white shark weigh, in
2
pounds, than a northern bluefin tuna?

Section 2.3 - Capacity

Capacity is the amount of liquid (or other pourable substance) that an object can hold when
it’s full. When a liquid, such as milk, is being described in gallons or quarts, this is a measure
of capacity.

There are five main units for measuring capacity in the U.S. customary measurement system.
The smallest unit of measurement is a fluid ounce. “Ounce” is also used as a measure of
weight, so it is important to use the word “fluid” with ounce when you are talking about
capacity. Sometimes the prefix “fluid” is not used when it is clear from the context that the
measurement is capacity, not weight.

The other units of capacity in the customary system are the cup, pint, quart, and gallon. The
table below describes each unit of capacity and provides an example to illustrate the size of
the unit of measurement.

You can use any of these five measurement units to describe the capacity of an object, but it
makes more sense to use certain units for certain purposes. For example, it makes more sense
to describe the capacity of a swimming pool in gallons and the capacity of an expensive
perfume in fluid ounces.
Chapter 2: Measurement and Dimensional Analysis 8

The table below shows some of the most common equivalents and conversion factors for the
five customary units of measurement of capacity.

Conversion Factors (heavier Conversion Factors

Unit Equivalents to lighter units of (lighter to heavier units of
measurement) measurement)

1 cup 8 fluid ounces

1 cup = 8 fluid ounces
8 fluid ounces 1 cup
1 pint 2 cups
1 pint = 2 cups
2 cups 1 pint
1 quart 2 pints
1 quart = 2 pints
2 pints 1 quart
1 quart 4 cups
1 quart = 4 cups
4 cups 1 quart
1 gallon 4 quarts
1 gallon = 4 quarts
4 quarts 1 gallon
1 gallon 16 cups
1 gallon = 16 cups
16 cups 1 gallon

As with converting units of length and weight, you can use the factor label method to convert
from one unit of capacity to another.

Example 6
3
Use the Factor Label Method to determine the number of pints in 2 gallons.
4
3 Begin by reasoning about your answer.
2 gallons =___ pints Since a gallon is larger than a pint, expect
4
the answer in pints to be a number greater
3
than 2 .
4
11 gallons 4 quarts 2 pints The table above does not contain a
• • =___ pints conversion factor for gallons and pints, so
4 1 gallon 1 quart you cannot convert it in one step.
11 gallons 4 quarts 2 pints
• • =___ pints However, you can use quarts as an
4 1 gallon 1 quart intermediate unit, as shown here.
11 4 2 pints Set up the equation so that two sets of
• • =___ pints labels cancel—gallons and quarts.
4 1 1
Chapter 2: Measurement and Dimensional Analysis 9

11• 4 • 2 pints
=___ pints
4 • 1• 1

88 pints 3
= 22 pints 2 gallons is equivalent to 22 pints
4 4

Example 7
Natasha is making lemonade to bring to the beach. She has two containers. One holds one
gallon and the other holds 2 quarts. If she fills both containers, how many cups of lemonade
will she have?
1 gallon + 2 quarts = ___ cups This problem requires you to find the
sum of the capacity of each container
and then convert that sum to cups.
4 quarts + 2 quarts = 6 quarts First, find the sum in quarts. 1 gallon is
equal to 4 quarts.

6 quarts 2 pints 2 cups Since the problem asks for the capacity
• • = ___ cups in cups, convert 6 quarts to cups.
1 1 quart 1 pint
Cancel units that appear in both the
6 quarts 2 pints 2 cups
• • = ___ cups numerator and denominator.
1 1 quart 1 pint
Multiply.
6 • 2 • 2 = 24 cups
Natasha will have 24 cups of lemonade.

Another way to work the problem above would be to first change 1 gallon to 16 cups and
change 2 quarts to 8 cups. Then add: 16 + 8 = 24 cups.

You Try 2.3

Alan is making chili. He is using a recipe that makes 24 cups of chili. He has a 5-quart pot and a
2-gallon pot and is trying to determine whether the chili will all fit in one of these pots. Which of
the pots will fit the chili?

A) The chili will not fit into either of the pots.

B) The chili can fit into either pot.
C) The chili will fit into the 5-quart pot only.
D) The chili will fit into the 2-gallon pot only.

Section 2.4 - The Metric System

Chapter 2: Measurement and Dimensional Analysis 10

In the United States, both the U.S. customary measurement system and the metric system
are used, especially in medical, scientific, and technical fields. In most other countries, the
metric system is the primary system of measurement. If you travel to other countries, you
will see that road signs list distances in kilometers and milk is sold in liters. People in many
countries use words like “kilometer,” “liter,” and “milligram” to measure the length, volume,
and weight of different objects. These measurement units are part of the metric system.

Unlike the U.S. customary system of measurement, the metric system is based on 10s. For
example, a liter is 10 times larger than a deciliter, and a centigram is 10 times larger than a
milligram. This idea of “10” is not present in the U.S. customary system—there are 12 inches
in a foot, and 3 feet in a yard…and 5,280 feet in a mile!

What if you have to find out how many milligrams are in a decigram? Or, what if you want
to convert meters to kilometers? Understanding how the metric system works is a good start.

What is Metric?

The metric system uses units such as meter, gram, and liter to measure length, mass, and
liquid volume (capacity), just as the U.S. customary system uses feet, ounces, and quarts to
measure these.

In addition to the difference in the basic units, the metric system is based on 10s, and
different measures for length include kilometer, meter, decimeter, centimeter, and millimeter.
Notice that the word “meter” is part of all of these units.

The metric system also applies the idea that units within the system get larger or smaller by a
power of 10. This means that a meter is 100 times larger than a centimeter, and a kilogram is
1,000 times heavier than a gram. You will explore this idea a bit later. For now, notice how
this idea of “getting bigger or smaller by 10” is very different than the relationship between
units in the U.S. customary system, where 3 feet equals 1 yard, and 16 ounces equals 1
pound.

Length, Mass, and Volume

The table below shows the basic units of the metric system. Note that the names of all metric
units follow from these three basic units.

Length Mass Volume

basic units
meter gram liter
other units you may see
kilometer kilogram dekaliter
centimeter centigram centiliter
millimeter milligram milliliter
In the metric system, the basic unit of length is the meter. A meter is slightly larger than a
yardstick, or just over three feet.
Chapter 2: Measurement and Dimensional Analysis 11

The basic metric unit of mass is the gram. A regular-sized paperclip has a mass of about 1
gram. Among scientists, one gram is defined as the mass of water that would fill a 1-
centimeter cube. You may notice that the word “mass” is used here instead of “weight.” In
the sciences and technical fields, a distinction is made between weight and mass. Weight is a
measure of the pull of gravity on an object. For this reason, an object’s weight would be
different if it was weighed on Earth or on the moon because of the difference in the
gravitational forces. However, the object’s mass would remain the same in both places
because mass measures the amount of substance in an object. As long as you are planning on
only measuring objects on Earth, you can use mass/weight fairly interchangeably—but it is
worth noting that there is a difference!

Finally, the basic metric unit of volume is the liter. A liter is slightly larger than a quart.

The handle of a shovel is about A paperclip weighs about 1 A medium-sized container of

1 meter. gram. milk is about 1 liter.

Prefixes in the Metric System

The metric system is a base 10 system. This means that each successive unit is 10 times
larger than the previous one.

The names of metric units are formed by adding a prefix to the basic unit of measurement. To
tell how large or small a unit is, you look at the prefix. To tell whether the unit is measuring
length, mass, or volume, you look at the base.

Prefixes in the Metric System

meter
kilo- hecto- deka- gram deci- centi- milli-
liter
1,000 times 100 times 10 times 10 times 100 times 1,000 times
base
larger than larger than larger than smaller than smaller than smaller than
units
base unit base unit base unit base unit base unit base unit

Using this table as a reference, you can see the following:

 A kilogram is 1,000 times larger than one gram (so 1 kilogram = 1,000 grams).
 A centimeter is 100 times smaller than one meter (so 1 meter = 100 centimeters).
 A dekaliter is 10 times larger than one liter (so 1 dekaliter = 10 liters).
Here is a similar table that just shows the metric units of measurement for mass, along with
their size relative to 1 gram (the base unit). The common abbreviations for these metric units
have been included as well.
Chapter 2: Measurement and Dimensional Analysis 12

Measuring Mass in the Metric System

kilogram hectogram dekagram gram decigram centigram milligram

(kg) (hg) (dag) (g) (dg) (cg) (mg)

1,000 grams 100 grams 10 grams gram 0.1 gram 0.01 gram 0.001 gram

Since the prefixes remain constant through the metric system, you could create similar charts
for length and volume. The prefixes have the same meanings whether they are attached to the
units of length (meter), mass (gram), or volume (liter).

Converting Within the Metric System

While knowing the different units used in the metric system is important, the real purpose
behind learning the metric system is for you to be able to use these measurement units to
calculate the size, mass, or volume of different objects. In practice, it is often necessary to
convert one metric measurement to another unit—this happens frequently in the medical,
scientific, and technical fields, where the metric system is commonly used.

The table below shows some of the unit equivalents and unit fractions for length in the
metric system.

Unit Equivalents Conversion Factors

1m 1,000,000  m
1 meter = 1,000,000 micrometers
1,000,000  m 1m

1m 1,000 mm
1 meter = 1,000 millimeters
1,000 mm 1m

1m 100 cm
1 meter = 100 centimeters
100 cm 1m

1m 10 dm
1 meter = 10 decimeters
10 dm 1m

1 dam 10 m
1 dekameter = 10 meters
10 m 1 dam

1 hm 100 m
1 hectometer = 100 meters
100 m 1 hm
Chapter 2: Measurement and Dimensional Analysis 13

1 km 1,000 m
1 kilometer = 1,000 meters
1,000 m 1 km

1 Mm 1,000,000 m
1 megameter = 1,000,000 meters
1,000,000 m 1 Mm

Notice that all of the unit fractions contain a factor of 10. Remember that the metric system is
based on the notion that each unit is 10 times larger than the one that came before it.

Example 8

Convert 7,225 centimeters to meters.

7,225 cm = ___ m Meters is larger than centimeters, so you expect your

answer to be less than 7,225.

7,225 cm 1 m
•  ___ m Using the factor label method, write 7,225 cm as a
1 100 cm fraction and use unit fractions to convert it to m.

7,225 cm 1m
•  ___ m Cancel similar units, multiply, and simplify.
1 100 cm

7,225 1 m 7,225
•  m
1 100 100

7,225m
 72.25m 7,225 centimeters = 72.25 meters
100

Learning how to solve real-world problems using metric conversions is as important as

learning how to do the conversions themselves. Mathematicians, scientists, nurses, and even
athletes are often confronted with situations where they are presented with information using
metric measurements, and must then make informed decisions based on that data.

To solve these problems effectively, you need to understand the context of a problem,
perform conversions, and then check the reasonableness of your answer. Do all three of these
steps and you will succeed in whatever measurement system you find yourself using.

Example 9
In the Summer Olympic Games, athletes compete in races of the following lengths: 100 meters, 200
meters, 400 meters, 800 meters, 1500 meters, 5000 meters and 10,000 meters. If a runner were to run
Chapter 2: Measurement and Dimensional Analysis 14

in all these races, how many kilometers would he run?

10,000 To figure out how many kilometers he would run, you

5,000 need to first add all of the lengths of the races together
1,500 and then convert that measurement to kilometers.
800
400
200
+ 100
18,000

18,000 m 1 km Use the factor label method and unit fractions to convert
•  ___ km from meters to kilometers.
1 1,000 m
18,000 m 1 km Cancel, multiply, and solve.
•  ___ km
1 1,000 m

18,000 1 km 18,000 km
• 
1 1,000 1,000

18,000 km
 18 km
1,000
The runner would run 18 kilometers.

Example 10
One bottle holds 295 dl while another one holds 28,000 mL. What is the difference in capacity
between the two bottles?

295 dL = ___ L The two measurements are in different units. You can
28,000 mL = ___ L convert both units to liters and then compare them.

295 𝑑𝐿 1 𝐿 Convert dL to liters.

∙ = ____𝐿
1 10 𝑑𝐿

295 𝑑𝐿 1 𝐿 Cancel similar units and multiply.

∙ = ____𝐿
1 10 𝑑𝐿

295 1 𝐿
∙ = ____𝐿
1 10

295∙1𝐿 295 dL = 29.5 liters.

= 29.5𝐿
10
Chapter 2: Measurement and Dimensional Analysis 15

28,000 𝑚𝐿 1𝐿 Convert mL to liters.

∙ 1,000 𝑚𝐿 = ______𝐿
1

28,000 1𝐿 28,000
∙ 1,000 = 𝐿
1 1,000

28,000 𝐿
= 28 𝐿 28,000 mL = 28 liters
1,000

29.5 liters – 28 liters = 1.5 liters The question asks for “difference in capacity” between
the bottles.

There is a difference in capacity of 1.5 liters between the two bottles.

Example 11

A two-liter bottle contains 87 centiliters of oil and 4.1 deciliters of water.

How much more liquid is needed to fill the bottle?

87 cL + 4.1 dL + ___ = 2 L You are looking for the amount of liquid needed to fill
the bottle. Convert both measurements to liters and
then solve the problem.

87 cL = ___ L Convert 87 cL to liters.

87 𝑐𝐿 1 𝐿
∙ = _____𝐿
1 100 𝑐𝐿

87 1 𝐿 87
∙ = 𝐿
1 100 100

87 𝐿
= 0.87 𝐿
100 87 cL is equal to 0.87 liters

4.1 dL = ___ L Convert 4.1 dL to liters.

4.1 𝑑𝐿 1 𝐿
∙ = _____𝐿
1 10 𝑑𝐿

4.1 1 𝐿 4.1
∙ = 𝐿
1 10 10
Chapter 2: Measurement and Dimensional Analysis 16

4.1𝐿
= 0.41 𝐿 4.1 dL is equal to 0.41 liters
10

2 liters – 0.87 liter – 0.41 liter = 0.72 liter Subtract to find how much more liquid is needed to fill
the bottle.

The amount of liquid needed to fill the bottle is 0.72 liter.

You Try 2.4

a. Complete the table below.

Centimeters Meters Kilometers
Distance from
Scottsdale to 421
Las Vegas

b. One boxer weighs in at 85 kg. He is 80 dekagrams heavier than his opponent. How much does
his opponent weigh?

Section 2.5 – Converting Between Systems

We have spent the last several sections learning about the U.S. customary system of
measurement, and the metric system. As you might guess, there are many applications where
it is useful to be able to convert between measurements of length, mass, and volume
(capacity) in the two systems.

The table below gives some useful conversions between U.S. and metric measurements:

Approximate Conversions Between Customary and Metric Systems

Length 1 inch = 2.540 centimeters
1 foot = 0.3048 m
1 yard = 0.9144 meters
1 mile = 1.6093 kilometers
Mass 1 pound = 0.4536 kilograms
1 ounce = 28 grams
Volume 1 fluid ounce = 29.574 milliliters
1 quart = 0.9464 liters
1 gallon = 3.785 liters

Example 12
Chapter 2: Measurement and Dimensional Analysis 17

An Olympic sprinter competes in the 400m dash. How many yards is the race?

400 m = ___ y A yard is less than a meter, so you expect your answer to
be more than 400.
400 𝑚 1 𝑦𝑎𝑟𝑑
∙ Using the factor label method, write 400 m as a fraction
1 0.9144 𝑚 and use unit fractions to convert it to yards.
400 𝑚 1 𝑦𝑎𝑟𝑑
∙ = _____𝑦𝑎𝑟𝑑𝑠 Cancel similar units, multiply, and simplify.
1 0.9144 𝑚
400 1 𝑦𝑎𝑟𝑑 400
∙ = 𝑦𝑎𝑟𝑑𝑠
1 0.9144 0.9144
400
= 437.45 𝑦𝑎𝑟𝑑𝑠
0.9144
400 meters = 437.45 yards

The race is 437.45 yards.

Example 13
A patient must be weighed prior to surgery so that the proper dosage of anesthesia can be
given. A nurse weighs a patient and finds that he weighs 205 pounds. The anesthesiologist
prefers weights in kilograms. What is the patient’s weight in kilograms? Round to the
nearest hundredth.
205 lbs = ___ kg Pounds are smaller than kilograms, so you expect your
answer to be less than 205.
205 𝑙𝑏𝑠 1 𝑘𝑔
∙ Using the factor label method, write 205 lbs as a fraction
1 2.2 𝑙𝑏𝑠 and use unit fractions to convert it to kilograms.

205 𝑙𝑏𝑠 1 𝑘𝑔 Cancel similar units, multiply, and simplify.

∙ = _____𝑘𝑔
1 2.2 𝑙𝑏𝑠

205 1 𝑘𝑔 205 ∙ 1
∙ = 𝑘𝑔
1 2.2 1 ∙ 2.2
205 205 lbs is equal to 93.18 kg
= 93.18 𝑘𝑔
2.2

The patient’s weight is 93.18 kg.

Example 14
Chapter 2: Measurement and Dimensional Analysis 18

Your work is having its annual potluck, and you are asked to bring 5 gallons of lemonade.
When you go to the store, each container of lemonade mix says it will make 6 liters. How
many containers do you need to buy?
5 g = ___ L Liters are smaller than gallons, so you expect your answer
to be more than 5.
5 𝑔𝑎𝑙 3.785 𝐿
∙ Using the factor label method, write 5 gal as a fraction
1 1 𝑔𝑎𝑙 and use unit fractions to convert it to liters.
5 𝑔𝑎𝑙 3.785 𝐿
∙ = _____𝑙𝑖𝑡𝑒𝑟𝑠 Cancel similar units, multiply, and simplify.
1 1 𝑔𝑎𝑙

5 3.785 𝐿 5 ∙ 3.785
∙ = 𝑙𝑖𝑡𝑒𝑟𝑠
1 1 1

5 ∙ 3.785 = 18.925 𝑙𝑖𝑡𝑒𝑟𝑠

5 gallons = 18.925 liters

18.925 𝐿 1 𝑐𝑜𝑛𝑡𝑎𝑖𝑛𝑒𝑟 You need 18.925 liters, and each container of mix will
∙ make 6 liters.
1 6𝐿
18.925 You must buy 4 containers of mix (3 is not enough)
= 3.15 𝑐𝑜𝑛𝑡𝑎𝑖𝑛𝑒𝑟𝑠
6

Temperature Conversions

There are three commonly used systems for measuring temperature. One such system is
usually used in science, and is called the Kelvin scale. We will focus our attention on the
other two scales for measuring temperature: Fahrenheit and Celsius. The United States
usually uses the Fahrenheit system. In this system, water freezes to ice at 32℉ and boils at
212℉. Another commonly used temperature scale is the Celsius scale, where water freezes
to ice at 0℃ and boils at 100℃. You might notice that in the Fahrenheit scale there is a 180
degree difference (212℉ − 32℉) between the temperature where water boils and freezes,
while in the Celsius scale there is a 100 degree difference (100℃ – 0℃) between the
temperature where water boils and freezes. Since neither of these two temperature scales has
an absolute starting point (a lowest possible temperature) we cannot meaningfully compare
temperatures in these scales using conversion factors.

Instead, we have temperature conversion formulas which allow us to convert temperatures

back and forth between Fahrenheit and Celsius.

To Convert Between Conversion Formula

Celsius and Fahrenheit 𝐹 = 1.8𝐶 + 32

Chapter 2: Measurement and Dimensional Analysis 19

Example 15
Your front yard is full of weeds, so you decide to spray it with weed killer. The bottle of weed
killer that you purchase says “Do not apply in temperatures below 18℃ or above 32℃. What
are the corresponding temperatures in degrees Fahrenheit?
Both temperatures are in degrees Celsius and need to be
F = 1.8C + 32 converted into degrees Fahrenheit.
F = 1.8(18) + 32
F = 64.4℉
The lower temperature corresponds to 64.4℉.
F = 1.8(32) + 32
F = 89.6℉
The upper temperature corresponds to 89.6℉.
The weed killer should only be applied when the
temperature is between 64.4 and 89.6℉.

Example 16
When leaving the hospital with your sick child, you are told to return immediately if her
temperature exceeds 101.5℉. When you get home, you discover your thermometer will only
measure temperature in degrees Celsius. At what temperature, in degrees Celsius, would you
need to return your child to the hospital?
The temperature is in degrees Fahrenheit and it needs to
F = 1.8C + 32 be converted into degrees Celsius.
101.5 = 1.8(C) + 32
Subtract 32 from both sides of the equation.
101.5 - 32 = 1.8C

69.5 = 1.8C
Divide both sides by 1.8
69.5
C= 1.8

C = 38.61℃ You should return your child to the hospital if her

temperature exceeds 38.61℃.

You Try 2.5

What was the temperature in degrees Celsius, if the evening news reports that the high temperature
in Phoenix, Arizona today was 115℉?
Chapter 2: Measurement and Dimensional Analysis 20

Section 2.6 – Problem Solving Using Rates and Dimensional Analysis

A rate is the ratio of two quantities. A unit rate is a rate with a denominator of one.

Example 17

Your car can drive 300 miles on a tank of 15 gallons.

Express this as a rate and as a unit rate, in miles per gallon.
300 𝑚𝑖𝑙𝑒𝑠
Expressed as a rate, 15 𝑔𝑎𝑙𝑙𝑜𝑛𝑠.
20 𝑚𝑖𝑙𝑒𝑠 miles
We can divide to find a unit rate: , which we could also write as 20 ,
1 𝑔𝑎𝑙𝑙𝑜𝑛 gallon
or just 20 miles per gallon.

Notice that, had we wanted to find the unit rate in gallons per mile, we would have had to
invert the original rate:
15 gallons 15 1
= gallons per mile = gallon per mile
300 miles 300 20

You Try 2.6

Find the unit rates. If necessary, round your answers to the nearest hundredth.
6 pounds for $5.29

______________ dollars per pound ______________ pounds per dollar

Example 18

Compare the electricity consumption per capita in China to the rate in Japan.

To address this question, we will first need data. From the CIA1 website we can find the
electricity consumption in 2011 for China was 4,693,000,000,000 KWH (kilowatt-hours),
or 4.693 trillion KWH, while the consumption for Japan was 859,700,000,000, or 859.7
billion KWH. To find the rate per capita (per person), we will also need the population of
the two countries. From the World Bank2, we can find the population of China is
1,344,130,000, or 1.344 billion, and the population of Japan is 127,817,277, or 127.8
million.

Computing the consumption per capita for each country:

4,693,000,000,000 KWH
China: ≈ 3491.5 KWH per person
1,344,130,000 people

1
https://www.cia.gov/library/publications/the-world-factbook/rankorder/2042rank.html
2
http://data.worldbank.org/indicator/SP.POP.TOTL
Chapter 2: Measurement and Dimensional Analysis 21

859,700,000,000 KWH
Japan: ≈ 6726 KWH per person
127,817,277 people

While China uses more than 5 times the electricity of Japan overall, because the population
of Japan is so much smaller, it turns out Japan uses almost twice the electricity per person
compared to China.

Many problems can also be solved by multiplying a quantity by rates to change the units.
This is the foundation of the Factor-Label process that we have been using already in this
chapter.

Example 19
Your car can drive 300 miles on a tank of 15 gallons.
a. How far can it drive on 40 gallons?
b. How many gallons are needed to drive 50 miles?
We earlier found that 300 miles on 15 gallons gives a rate of 20 miles per gallon.

a. If we multiply the given 40 gallon quantity by this rate, the gallons unit “cancels” and
we’re left with a number of miles:
20 miles 40 gallons 20 miles
40 gallons     800 miles
gallon 1 gallon

Notice that this could also have been achieved using the rate given in the problem:
300 miles 40 gallons 300 miles 40 300 miles 1200
40 gallons       miles  800 miles
15gallons 1 15gallons 1 15 15

b. Notice if instead we were asked “how many gallons are needed to drive 50 miles?” we
could answer this question by inverting the 20 mile per gallon rate so that the miles unit
cancels and we’re left with gallons:

1gallon 50 miles 1gallon 50 gallons

50 miles      2.5 gallons
20 miles 1 20 miles 20

Example 20
A bicycle is traveling at 15 miles per hour. How many feet will it cover in 20 seconds?
To answer this question, we need to convert 20 seconds into feet. If we know the speed of
the bicycle in feet per second, this question would be simpler. Since we don’t, we will need
to do additional unit conversions. We will need to know that 5280 ft = 1 mile. We might
start by converting the 20 seconds into hours:
1minute 1hour 1
20 seconds    hour
60 seconds 60 minutes 180
Now we can multiply by the 15 miles/hr
Chapter 2: Measurement and Dimensional Analysis 22

1 15 miles 1
hour   mile
180 1hour 12
Now we can convert to feet
1 5280 feet
mile   440 feet
12 1mile
We could have also done this entire calculation in one long set of products:
1minute 1hour 15 miles 5280 feet
20 seconds      440 feet
60 seconds 60 minutes 1hour 1mile

Example 21
You are walking through a hardware store and notice two sales on tubing.
 3 yards of Tubing A costs $5.49.
 Tubing B sells for $1.88 for 2 feet.
Either tubing is acceptable for your project. Which tubing is less expensive?
Find the unit price for each tubing. This will make it easier to compare.

Tubing A: 3 yards = $5.49 Tubing A is sold by the yard.

$5.49  3 $1.83 Find the cost per yard of Tubing A by dividing the
 cost of 3 yards of the tubing by 3.
3 yards ÷ 3 1 yard

Tubing B: 2 feet = $1.88 Tubing B is sold by the foot. Find the cost per foot by
dividing $1.88 by 2 feet.
$1.88 ÷ 2 $0.94
=
2 feet ÷ 2 1foot
To compare the prices, you need to have the same unit of measure. You can choose to use
dollars per foot (like we have for Tubing B) or dollars per yard (like we have for Tubing A.
Either will work. For this example, we will go with dollars per yard.

Tubing A: $1.83 per yard

$0.94 3 feet $ ___ 3 feet

Tubing B: • = Use the conversion factor
1foot 1 yard ___ yard 1 yard

$0.94 3 feet $2.82

• = Cancel and multiply.
1 foot 1 yard 1 yard

$2.82 per yard

Compare prices for 1 yard of each tubing.
Tubing A: $1.83 per yard Tubing B: $2.82 per yard
Tubing A is less expensive than Tubing B.
Chapter 2: Measurement and Dimensional Analysis 23

Example 22
The cost of gasoline in Arizona is about $2.05 per gallon. When you travel over the border
into Mexico, gasoline costs 14.81 pesos per liter. Where is gasoline more expensive?

Note: This problem requires a currency conversion factor. Currency conversions are
constantly changing, but at the time of print $1 = 18.68 pesos.
To answer this question, we need to convert from gallons to liters AND from U.S. dollars to
Mexican pesos.

$2.05 1 𝑔𝑎𝑙𝑙𝑜𝑛 18.68 𝑝𝑒𝑠𝑜𝑠

∙ ∙
1 𝑔𝑎𝑙𝑙𝑜𝑛 3.8 𝑙𝑖𝑡𝑒𝑟𝑠 $1

$2.05 1 𝑔𝑎𝑙𝑙𝑜𝑛 18.68 𝑝𝑒𝑠𝑜𝑠

∙ ∙
1 𝑔𝑎𝑙𝑙𝑜𝑛 3.8 𝑙𝑖𝑡𝑒𝑟𝑠 $1

2.05 1 18.68 𝑝𝑒𝑠𝑜𝑠 2.05 ∙ 18.68 𝑝𝑒𝑠𝑜𝑠

∙ ∙ =
1 3.8 𝑙𝑖𝑡𝑒𝑟𝑠 1 3.8 𝑙𝑖𝑡𝑒𝑟𝑠

2.05 ∙ 18.68 𝑝𝑒𝑠𝑜𝑠

= 10.08 𝑝𝑒𝑠𝑜𝑠 𝑝𝑒𝑟 𝑙𝑖𝑡𝑒𝑟
3.8 𝑙𝑖𝑡𝑒𝑟𝑠

The price in Arizona of $2.05 per gallon is equivalent to 10.08 pesos per liter. Since the
actual price in Mexico is 14.81 pesos per liter, gasoline is more expensive in Mexico.

Chapter 2 – Answers to You Try Problems

2.1 a. 13200 feet b. 930 feet or 310 yards

2.2 a. 4.5 pounds b. 3200 pounds

2.3 D) The chili will fit into the 2-gallon pot only.

2.4 a.
Centimeters Meters Kilometers
42,100,000 421,000 421

b. 84.2kg

2.5 46.1℃

2.6 $0.88 per pound, 1.13 pounds per dollar

Chapter 2 - Practice Problems

1. Use the Factor-Label Method to determine the number of inches in 8 feet.

2. Use the Factor-Label Method to determine the number of feet in 5 yards.

3. Use the Factor-Label Method to determine the number of inches in 6 yards.

4. Use the Factor-Label Method to determine the number of yards in 108 inches.

5. Use the Factor-Label Method to determine the number of yards in 203.1 miles. Round
your answer to the nearest hundredth.

6. Use the Factor-Label Method to determine the number of inches in 275.2 miles.

7. The length of one student desk is 22 inches. If you line up 5 desks, what is the total
length of the desks in feet?

8. You want to arrange your dorm room so that the length of your bed and the length of
your desk are next to each other along the wall. Your bed is 80 inches long and your
desk is 3 feet and 5 inches long. What is the total length of your bed and desk in feet?

9. Use the Factor-Label Method to determine the number of ounces in 4 pounds.

10. Use the Factor-Label Method to determine the number of pounds in 38 ounces.
Round your answer to the nearest hundredth.

11. Use the Factor-Label Method to determine the number of tons in 413 ounces. Round
your answer to the nearest thousandth.

12. Amy bought 5 lbs. 5 oz. of turkey cold cuts and 3 lbs. 15 oz. of ham cold cuts. How
much did she buy in total? (You should convert any ounces over 15 into pounds).

13. Leslie had twin girls – the first baby weighed 5 lbs. 14 oz. and the second baby
weighed 6 lbs. 4 oz. How much did the twin baby girls weigh together? (You should
convert any ounces over 15 into pounds).

14. Use the Factor-Label Method to determine the number of gallons in 48 cups.
1
15. Use the Factor-Label Method to determine the number of cups in 9 2 gallons.

16. Use the Factor-Label Method to determine the number of fluid ounces in 9 quarts.

17. Betty brought one gallon of iced tea to a potluck and Denis brought 3 quarts of iced
tea to the potluck. How many cups of iced tea are at the potluck?
Chapter 2: Measurement and Dimensional Analysis 25

18. Natasha is heating up four 18-fluid ounce cans of soup on her stovetop. What is the
smallest pot she can use if she has a 2-quart, 3-quart, and 5-quart saucepan?

19. Use the Factor-Label Method to determine the number of centimeters in 7 meters.

20. Use the Factor-Label Method to determine the number of liters in 3520 milliliters.

21. Use the Factor-Label Method to determine the number of milliliters in 4.83 liters.

22. Use the Factor-Label Method to determine the number of meters in 4 millimeters.

23. Use the Factor-Label Method to determine the number of meters in 415 centimeters.

24. Use the Factor-Label Method to determine the number of kilograms in 1840 grams.

25. Use the Factor-Label Method to determine the number of grams in 6 kilograms.

26. Use the Factor-Label Method to determine the number of centimeters in 36.4
millimeters.

27. Use the Factor-Label Method to determine the number of milligrams in 0.0352
kilograms.

28. Apollo Spas services 176 hot tubs. If each hot tub needs 125 mL of muriatic acid,
how many liters of acid are needed for all of the hot tubs?

29. A bicyclist rides 5500 meters, takes a break, and then rides an additional 4000 meters.
How many kilometers did he ride?

30. Sandra has a small dog and two birds. Her dog weighs 3.2 kg. One bird weighs 112
grams and the other bird weighs 125 grams. How many more kg does the dog weigh
when compared to the two birds?

31. Use the Factor-Label Method to determine the number of inches in 6 centimeters.

32. Use the Factor-Label Method to determine the number of centimeters in 4.5 inches.

33. Use the Factor-Label Method to determine the number of yards in 350 meters.

34. Use the Factor-Label Method to determine the number of kilometers in 7.2 miles.

35. Use the Factor-Label Method to determine the number of kilograms in 165 pounds.

36. Use the Factor-Label Method to determine the number of pounds in 0.8 kilograms.

37. Use the Factor-Label Method to determine the number of liters in 16 gallons.

38. An Olympic sprinter competes in the 400 meter dash. How many feet is the race?
Chapter 2: Measurement and Dimensional Analysis 26

39. Convert a temperature of 54℉ to degrees Celsius.

40. Convert a temperature of 75℉ to degrees Celsius.

41. Convert a temperature of −12℃ to degrees Fahrenheit.

42. Convert a temperature of 37℃ to degrees Fahrenheit.

43. You arrive in Paris with $800. How many Euros do you have to spend? ($1 = 0.9033
euros as of November, 2016)

44. A bicyclist is traveling at 540 feet in 30 seconds. Express this as a rate and as a unit
rate, in feet per second.

45. Your car can drive 380 miles on a tank of 22 gallons.

a. How far can it drive on 50 gallons? Round your answer to the nearest
hundredth.
b. How many gallons are needed to drive 650 miles? Round your answer to the
nearest hundredth.

46. A bicycle is traveling at 16 miles per hour. How many feet will it cover in 40
seconds? Round your answer to the nearest tenth of a foot.

47. A car is traveling 33 miles per hour. How many feet will the car travel in 6 seconds?
Round your answer to the nearest tenth of a foot.

48. A car is traveling at 60 kilometers per hour. How many meters does it travel in 4
seconds?

49. A car is driving at 100 kilometers per hour. How many meters does it travel in 2
seconds?

50. A chain weighs 10 pounds per foot. How many ounces will 4 inches weigh?

51. One 16-ounce can of vegetable soup costs $1.34. One quart of vegetable soup costs
$3.49. Which option is less expensive?

52. An 8-foot length of 4 inch wide crown molding costs $14. How much will it cost to
buy 40 feet of crown molding?

53. A wire costs $2 per meter. How much will 3 kilometers of wire cost?

54. A recipe for blueberry muffins states that it yields 12 muffins, with 270 calories per
muffin. You instead decide to make mini-muffins, and the recipe yields 20 mini-
muffins. If you eat 6 mini-muffins, how many calories will you consume?
Chapter 2: Measurement and Dimensional Analysis 27

55. Four 3-megawatt wind turbines can supply enough electricity to power 3000 homes.
How many turbines would be required to power 55,000 homes?

56. A highway had a landslide, where 3,000 cubic yards of material fell on the road,
requiring 200 dump truck loads to clear. On another highway, a slide left 40,000
cubic yards on the road. How many dump truck loads would be needed to clear this
slide?

57. You read online that a 15-foot by 20-foot brick patio would cost about $2,275 to have
professionally installed. Estimate the cost of having an 18-foot by 22-foot brick patio
installed. Round your answer to the nearest dollar.

58. The store is selling lemons at 2 for $1. Each lemon yields about 2 tablespoons of
juice. How much will it cost to buy enough lemons to make a 9-inch lemon pie
requiring half a cup of lemon juice? (1 cup = 16 tablespoons)

59. When Ibuprofen is given for fever to children 6 months of age up to 2 years, the usual
dose is 5 milligrams (mg) per kilogram (kg) of body weight. How much medicine
would be a usual dose for an 18 month old weighing 28 pounds? Round your answer
to the nearest milligram. (1kg = 2.2 pounds)

60. It is estimated that a driver takes, on average, 1.5 seconds from seeing an obstacle to
reacting by applying the brake or swerving. How far will a car, traveling at 60 miles
per hour, travel in feet before the driver reacts to an obstacle?

61. Sound travels about 750 miles per hour. If you stand in a canyon and sound a horn,
you will hear an echo. Suppose it takes about 3 seconds to hear the echo. How far
away is the canyon wall, in feet?

62. It takes a hose 2 minutes to fill a rectangular aquarium 9 inches long, 10 inches wide,
and 13 inches tall. How long will it take the same hose to fill an aquarium measuring
21 inches by 27 inches by 35 inches? Round your answer to the nearest minute.

63. You want to put a 2-inch thick layer of topsoil for a new 20-foot by 30-foot
garden. The dirt store sells by the cubic yards. How many cubic yards will you need
to order? Round you answer to the nearest tenth.

64. Gasoline in Paris costs 1.32 euros per liter. What is the price of gas in dollars per
gallon? ($1 = 0.9033 euros as of November, 2016)

65. A 0.75 liter bottle of wine costs 83 euros. What is the price of the wine in dollars per
ounce? ($1 = 0.9033 euros as of November, 2016)