Units conversion method
Sometimes converting units may be confusing especially when the value contains other categories in the nominator and in the denominator. It is not always clear if we have to multiply or divide by which value. We will show here a simple way how to convert values from one unit to another by using proportion method to reduce confusion.
Units with nominators only − like units of speed, length, time.
Example: convert 3 ft to m
1.
Write the conversion factor values as:
1 foot = 0.3048 meter.
2.
Write the value of 3 feet in proportion
method and the required unit value x:
method and the required unit value x:
1(ft) = 0.3048 (m)
3 (ft) = x (m)
3 (ft) = x (m)
3.
Calculate value of required unit x
x = 3 • 0.3048 = 0.9144 meter
Units with denominator only − like units of wave number or diopter.
Example: convert
Convert foot to meter and write the corresponding
value in the denominator 1/1(ft) = 1/0.3048 (m)
value in the denominator 1/1(ft) = 1/0.3048 (m)
Find x by proportion method:
Hence the converting value is:
Units with nominator and denominator - like speed, acceleration, pressure and torque.
Example: convert
Write the conversion factor in the following way:
Find x by proportion method:
Hence the converting value is:
Example: convert
Write the conversion factor in the following way:
Find x by proportion method:
Hence the converting value is:
Example: convert
Write the conversion factor in the following way:
Find x by proportion method:
Hence the converting value is:
NOTE: It is clear that no matter how many categories a certain unit has the conversion process is the same as shown, this way of calculating conversions eliminates the possibility of confusion.