what is dimensional analysis? a fancy term for converting from one unit to another examples going...
DESCRIPTION
Some Typical Conversion Factors 60 s = 1 min as 60 s or 1 min 1 min 60 s 1.6 km = 1 mile as 1.6 km or 1 mile 1 mile 1.6 km US dollars = Mexican pesos as USD or pesos pesos USDTRANSCRIPT
What is Dimensional Analysis?
A fancy term for converting from one unit to another
Examples …Going from dollars to centsGoing from miles to kilometersGoing from meters to cm to inchesGoing from seconds to yearsGoing from mph to m/s
What is Dimensional Analysis?
I will teach you a systematic way of doing these problems
The method uses conversion factors
Some Typical Conversion Factors
60 s = 1 min as 60 s or 1 min 1 min 60 s
1.6 km = 1 mile as 1.6 km or 1 mile 1 mile 1.6 km
13.38 US dollars = 0.075 Mexican pesos
as 13.38 USD or 0.075 pesos 0.075 pesos 13.38 USD
How Does Dimensional Analysis Work?
A conversion factor is used, along with what you’re given, to determine what the new unit will be.
Enough talk lets do one or two on the board!!!
Examples of Conversions
Again, just be careful how you write the fraction.
The fraction must be written so that like units cancel.
Steps
1. Start with the given value.2. Write the multiplication symbol.3. Choose the appropriate conversion factor.4. The problem is solved by multiplying the
given data & their units by the appropriate unit factors so that the desired units remain.
5. Remember, cancel like units.
Let’s try some examples together…
1. Suppose there are 12 slices of pizza in one pizza. How many slices are in 7 pizzas?
Given: 7 pizzasWant: # of slices
Conversion: 12 slices = one pizza
7 pizzas1
Solution
Check your work…
X 12 slices1 pizza = 84 slices
Let’s try some examples together…
2. How old are you in days?
Given: 17 yearsWant: # of days
Conversion: 365 days = one year
Solution
Check your work…
17 years1 X 365 days
1 year = 6052 days
Multiple-Step Problems
Most problems are not simple one-step solutions. Sometimes, you will have to perform multiple conversions.
Example: How old are you in hours?
Given: 17 yearsWant: # of days
Conversion #1: 365 days = one yearConversion #2: 24 hours = one day
Solution
Check your work…
17 years1 X
365 days1 year X
24 hours1 day =
148,920 hours