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Quick! Tell me how many seconds are in a year!!!!

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The best way to understand the rules for converting is to see them in action.
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Let's start with an example problem and go through the rules as we solve the problem.
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You will want to have a pencil, a calculator, and a piece of paper ready to go.

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A roll of Christmas wrapping paper contains
2.5 meters of paper. What is the length of the paper in yards?
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Step 1: Write down the known values and the unknown values.
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Step 2: Find the conversion factor that gives a ratio between meters and yards.

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Step 3: Write the conversion factor as a fraction with the unit you want to convert to on top and set the problem up as an equation.
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2.5 meters x 1.09yards =
1 meter
2.725 yards
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You can see that the unit meters will cancel.

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Convert 325 millimeters to meters.
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Step 1: Write down the known values and the unknown values.
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Find the conversion factor that gives a ratio between meters and millimeters.
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1 meter = 1000 mm

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Step 3: Write the conversion factor as a fraction with the unit you want to convert to on top and set the problem up as an equation.
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325mm = 1 meter =
1000 mm
.325 meters
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The unit millimeters will cancel.

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How many centuries are in 237,439 days?
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Step 1:
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Step 2:

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Step #3
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Equation:
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237,439 days x 1year x 1century =
365 days 100 years
237,439 =
36500
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6.51 centuries
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The units days andyears will cancel.

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Always remember to put the unit that you want to convert to on top!
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All conversion factors must be labeled!
(meter, liter, year, etc .)

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How many seconds are in 768 days?
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A car has traveled 7.2 miles. How many inches did the car travel?