SL#14
How to use
Conversion Factors
(a.k.a. Dimensional Analysis)
Problem:
5,195 g equals how many kilograms?
Step 1
Write down the starting value with its units.
5195 g
Step 2
Make a fraction out of this number by
putting it over 1.
5195 g
1
Step 3
 Find an equivalency that has both the unit you
are starting with and the unit you want to convert
to.
5195 g
1
1 kg = 1000 g
Step 4
 Turn your equivalency into a fraction by putting
the number with the unit you are converting to
on top.
5195 g
1
Because we are converting from grams to
kilograms, “1 kg” goes on top.
1 kg = 1000 g
Step 5
Multiply the two fractions, making sure to
cancel like units.
5195 g
1
X
1 kg
1000 g
=
5195 kg
1000
Step 6
Complete the mathematical operation and
then circle your answer.
5195 g
1
X
=
1 kg
5195 kg
1000 g
1000
5.195= kg
You have just calculated that 5,195 g
equals 5.195 kg!
Way to go!
Another Example…
2.4 kilometers equals how many meters?
Note: 1 km = 1000 m
Step 1
Write down the starting value with its units.
2.4 km
Step 2
Make a fraction out of this number by
putting it over 1.
2.4 km
1
Step 3
Find an equivalency that has your starting
unit and your finishing unit.
2.4 km
1
1000 m = 1 km
Step 4
 Turn your equivalency into a fraction by putting
the number with the unit you are converting to
on top.
2.4 km
1
1000 m = 1 km
Step 5
Multiply the two fractions, making sure to
cancel like units.
2.4 km
1
X
1000 m
1 km
=
2400 m
1
Step 6
Complete the mathematical operation and
then circle your answer.
2.4 km
1
X
=
1000 m
2400 m
2400=m
1 km
1