A conversion factor is a statement of equivalency. 

 

Conversion factors can be written as equalities or fractions   1 mile = 5280 feet  or  1 mile/5280ft 

 

The following is a list of useful conversion factors:

            Length                                      Volume                                             Mass/Weight

1 mile   =  5280 ft                     1 gallon     =  4 quarts                           1 pound    = 16 ounces

1 foot   =  12 inches                  1 quart      =  2 pints                             1 ton         = 2000 lbs.

1 inch   =  2.54 cm                   1 pint         =  16 ounces                       1 kg          =  2.2 lbs.

1 m      =  100 cm                    1 gallon      =  3.78 liters                       1 kg          =  1000 grams

1m       =  1000mm                  1000 ml     =  1 liter                              1000 mg    = 1 gram

1 km    = 1000meters               231 in3      =  1 gallon

 

To convert one unit to another we will use a method known as dimensional analysis or the unit factor method, in which a known value is multiplied by a series of fractions, each of which is a conversion factor.

 

Example:  Convert 5400 ml to gallons.

 

Step 1:  write down the given value (including the unit!) and multiply by a fraction with the unit you need

              to get rid of in the  “basement” (denominator)

 

 

 

Step 2: look for a conversion factor that will help you convert to what you want, then fill in the correct

            numbers, remember that the top value must equal the bottom value

 

  notice that 1 liter = 1000 ml, so the fraction is equal to one

 

Step 3:  if the unit  “upstairs” (numerator) is not what you want, continue the process until the unit you

             want is in the numerator, then write an equals sign.  Since all the units other than the last one are

             found in both the numerator and the denominator, all but the last one cancel out.

 

Step 4:  multiply by all the numbers on the top, then divide by all the numbers on the bottom

 

 

 

 

Answer:  1.43 gallons