 Quick! Tell me how many seconds are in a year!!!!

 The best way to understand the rules for converting is to see them in action.  Let's start with an example problem and go through the rules as we solve the problem.  You will want to have a pencil, a calculator, and a piece of paper ready to go.

 A roll of Christmas wrapping paper contains 2.5 meters of paper. What is the length of the paper in yards?  Step 1: Write down the known values and the unknown values.  Step 2: Find the conversion factor that gives a ratio between meters and yards.

 Step 3: Write the conversion factor as a fraction with the unit you want to convert to on top and set the problem up as an equation.  2.5 meters x 1.09yards = 1 meter yards  You can see that the unit meters will cancel.

 Convert 325 millimeters to meters.  Step 1: Write down the known values and the unknown values.  Find the conversion factor that gives a ratio between meters and millimeters.  1 meter = 1000 mm

 Step 3: Write the conversion factor as a fraction with the unit you want to convert to on top and set the problem up as an equation.  325mm = 1 meter = 1000 mm.325 meters  The unit millimeters will cancel.

 How many centuries are in 237,439 days?  Step 1:  Step 2:

 Step #3  Equation:  237,439 days x 1year x 1century = 365 days 100 years 237,439 =  6.51 centuries  The units days andyears will cancel.

 Always remember to put the unit that you want to convert to on top!  All conversion factors must be labeled! (meter, liter, year, etc.)

 How many seconds are in 768 days?  A car has traveled 7.2 miles. How many inches did the car travel?