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Dimensional Analysis Tutorial

The document explains dimensional analysis, a mathematical method for converting units using conversion factors, which are ratios of equivalent measurements. It provides examples of how to apply dimensional analysis to solve problems involving unit conversions, such as converting inches to feet and calculating gas mileage. The key takeaway is that understanding and using the correct conversion factors is essential for accurate calculations.

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Mohammad Rhman
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4 views13 pages

Dimensional Analysis Tutorial

The document explains dimensional analysis, a mathematical method for converting units using conversion factors, which are ratios of equivalent measurements. It provides examples of how to apply dimensional analysis to solve problems involving unit conversions, such as converting inches to feet and calculating gas mileage. The key takeaway is that understanding and using the correct conversion factors is essential for accurate calculations.

Uploaded by

Mohammad Rhman
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
Available Formats
Download as PPT, PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
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Dimensional Analysis

• How does dimensional analysis work?


• It will involve some easy math (Multiplication & Division)
• In order to perform any conversion, you need a
conversion factor.
• Conversion factors are made from any two terms
that describe the same or equivalent “amounts”
of what we are interested in.
For example, we know that:
1 inch = 2.54 centimeters
1 dozen = 12
Conversion Factors
• So, conversion factors are nothing more than
equalities or ratios that equal to each other. In
“math-talk” they are equal to one.
• In mathematics, the expression to the left of the
equal sign is equal to the expression to the right.
They are equal expressions.
• For Example
12 inches = 1 foot
Written as an “equality” or “ratio” it looks like
=1 or =1
Conversion Factors
Hey!
These
or look like
fractions!

• Conversion Factors look a lot like fractions, but


they are not!
• The critical thing to note is that the units
behave like numbers do when you multiply
fractions. That is, the inches (or foot) on top and
the inches (or foot) on the bottom can cancel
out. Just like in algebra, Yippee!!
Example Problem #1
• How many feet are in 60 inches?
Solve using dimensional analysis.
• All dimensional analysis problems are set
up the same way. They follow this same
pattern:

What units you have x What units you want = What units you want
What units you have

The number & units The units you


you start with The conversion factor want to end with
(The equality that looks like a fraction)
Example Problem #1 (cont)
• You need a conversion factor. Something
that will change inches into feet.
• Remember
12 inches = 1 foot
Written as an “equality” or “ratio” it looks like

60 inches x = 5 feet

(Mathematically all you do is: 60 x 1  12 = 5)

What units you have x What units you want = What units you want
What units you have
Example Problem #1 (cont)
• The previous problem can also be written
to look like this:
• 60 inches 1 foot = 5 feet
12 inches
• This format is more visually integrated,
more bridge like, and is more appropriate
for working with factors. In this format, the
horizontal bar means “divide,” and the
vertical bars mean “multiply”.
Dimensional Analysis
• The hardest part about dimensional
analysis is knowing which conversion
factors to use.
• Some are obvious, like 12 inches = 1 foot,
while others are not. Like how many feet
are in a mile.
Example Problem #2
• You need to put gas in the car. Let's
assume that gasoline costs $3.35 per
gallon and you've got a twenty dollar bill.
How many gallons of gas can you get with
that twenty? Try it!

• $ 20.00 1 gallon = 5.97 gallons


$ 3.35
(Mathematically all you do is: 20 x 1  3.35 = 5.97)
Example Problem #3
• What if you had wanted to know not how many
gallons you could get, but how many miles you
could drive assuming your car gets 24 miles a
gallon? Let's try building from the previous
problem. You know you have 5.97 gallons in the
tank. Try it!

• 5.97 gallons 24 miles = 143.28


miles
1 gallon
(Mathematically all you do is: 5.97 x 24  1 = 143.28)
Example Problem #3
• There's another way to do the previous
two problems. Instead of chopping it up
into separate pieces, build it as one
problem. Not all problems lend
themselves to working them this way but
many of them do. It's a nice, elegant way
to minimize the number of calculations
you have to do. Let's reintroduce the
problem.
Example Problem #3 (cont)
• You have a twenty dollar bill and you need
to get gas for your car. If gas is $3.35 a
gallon and your car gets 24 miles per
gallon, how many miles will you be able to
drive your car on twenty dollars? Try it!
• $ 20.00 1 gallon 24 miles = 143.28
miles
$ 3.35 1 gallon
(Mathematically all you do is: 20 x 1  3.35 x 24  1 = 143.28 )
Example Problem #4
• Try this expanded version of the previous
problem.
• You have a twenty dollar bill and you need
to get gas for your car. Gas currently
costs $3.35 a gallon and your car
averages 24 miles a gallon. If you drive,
on average, 7.1 miles a day, how many
weeks will you be able to drive on a
twenty dollar fill-up?
Example Problem #4 (cont)
• $ 20.00 1 gallon 24 miles 1 day 1 week
$ 3.35 1 gallon 7.1 miles 7 days

= 2.88 weeks

(Mathematically : 20 x 1  3.35 x 24  1 x 1  7.1 x 1  7 = 2.88 )

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