Module 6 · Ratios, rates and units · Lesson 27 of 39

Unit multipliers

Convert units by multiplying by fractions equal to 1.

In this lesson · about 14 minutes

  • Build a unit multiplier
  • Convert between units, including square units

Since 100 centimeters = 1 meter, the fraction 100 cm1 m equals 1. A fraction like this is a unit multiplier. Multiplying by it doesn't change the amount, only the units.

Put the unit you want to get rid of on the bottom, so it cancels: 3.5 m × 100 cm1 m = 350 cm.

You can chain multipliers: 288 in × 1 ft12 in × 1 yd3 ft = 28836 yd = 8 yd.

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Tip: master each practice set first (get 5 right in a row).

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