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Tuesday, July 2, 2019

Multi-Step Factor Label Problems

Problems of this type involve changing the prefix on a unit (for example, going from cm to km). These can be done in one step, but they are easier and more straightforward if they are done in two steps.

Sample Problem 1

What is the length in cm of a 3.55 km road?
Doing this in one step would require you to know the conversion between cm and km. It is easier to first convert the km to m and then to convert the meters to cm. These two steps can be done in the same math problem.
 

Sample Problem 2

How many Mg are there in 419.2 mg?

Your turn

Try these problems that each involve more than one step. The answers are here.
  1. How many cL will fit in a baby pool that holds 16 kL?
  2. What is the mass in mg of a shipping container that weighs 1.50 Mg?
  3. How many cm are in a 45.7 mm?
  4. What is the mass in µg of 67.6 Mg?  
Back to Factor Label Problems
On to multi-unit conversions
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