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Math Word Problems Conversion of Units

The document discusses conversion of units and solving word problems involving conversion. It aims to teach students how to identify the given and asked units, determine the appropriate conversion factors, set up and solve equations to perform unit conversions. An example word problem is provided where the speed of an elevator is given in m/s and the task is to express it in km/h. The steps to solve such problems are demonstrated. Another example calculates the total cost of different amounts of ribbons given in meters but priced in yards.

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Devy Galang
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366 views

Math Word Problems Conversion of Units

The document discusses conversion of units and solving word problems involving conversion. It aims to teach students how to identify the given and asked units, determine the appropriate conversion factors, set up and solve equations to perform unit conversions. An example word problem is provided where the speed of an elevator is given in m/s and the task is to express it in km/h. The steps to solve such problems are demonstrated. Another example calculates the total cost of different amounts of ribbons given in meters but priced in yards.

Uploaded by

Devy Galang
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
Available Formats
Download as DOCX, PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
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Objective

At the end of this lesson, you should be able to solve word problems involving conversion of
units.

Learn about It!


Conversion of units is probably one of the most useful skills in Mathematics. Your mom uses it
in baking or shopping. Dad uses it in his travelling. Your sister might use it during her trip to
another country. Your brother might be using it to compare basketball shoe sizes. You might be
using it in P.E. as you determine your height and weight in centimeters or inches and kilograms
or pounds, respectively.

Since conversion of units is a very useful skill, it is advisable that you memorize common
conversion factors to make conversions faster.

When analyzing any word problem involving conversion of units, be sure to identify the given
unit, the unit being asked for, and the conversion factors linking the two units.

How to Do
A powerful elevator found in the world's tallest tower goes up and down the tower at a speed of
10 m/sec. What is the speed of this same elevator expressed in km/h?

Step 1: Identify what is being asked.

speed of the elevator in km/h

Step 2: Identify the given information.

the elevator's speed = 10 m/sec

Step 3: Determine the conversion factors needed.

1 km = 1 000 m

1 hr = 3 600 sec

Step 4: Set-up the equation and solve it.

Step 5: Solve the problem.

The speed of the elevator is 36 km/hr.


Try It!
Pablo's aunt needs 2 meters of red cotton ribbon and 1.5 meters of blue silk ribbons. Pablo goes
to an arts and crafts shop and sees that, regardless of color, cotton ribbons are ₱20 per yard and
silk ribbons are ₱32 per yard. How much would the required ribbons cost?

Try It! Solution


Step 1: Identify what is being asked.

Total cost of 2 meters of red cotton ribbon and 1.5 meters of blue silk ribbons

Step 2: Identify the given information.

cotton ribbon = ₱20 = 1 yard

silk ribbons = ₱32 = 1 yard

Step 3: Determine the conversion factors needed.

The price given corresponds to quantities in yards. That means, you have to convert meters to
yards.

1 yd = 0.9144 m

Step 4: Set-up the equation and solve it.

Cotton ribbon:

= ₱43.74

Silk ribbon:

= ₱52.49

Step 5: Solve the problem.

The total cost of both types of ribbons is calculated by adding the individual calculated costs:

Thus, the total cost of 2 meters of red cotton ribbon and 1.5 meters of blue silk ribbons is ₱96.23.

Try It!
Pablo's aunt needs 2 meters of red cotton ribbon and 1.5 meters of blue silk ribbons. Pablo goes
to an arts and crafts shop and sees that, regardless of color, cotton ribbons are ₱20 per yard and
silk ribbons are ₱32 per yard. How much would the required ribbons cost?

Try It! Solution


Step 1: Identify what is being asked.

Total cost of 2 meters of red cotton ribbon and 1.5 meters of blue silk ribbons

Step 2: Identify the given information.

cotton ribbon = ₱20 = 1 yard

silk ribbons = ₱32 = 1 yard

Step 3: Determine the conversion factors needed.

The price given corresponds to quantities in yards. That means, you have to convert meters to
yards.

1 yd = 0.9144 m

Step 4: Set-up the equation and solve it.

Cotton ribbon:

= ₱43.74

Silk ribbon:

= ₱52.49

Step 5: Solve the problem.

The total cost of both types of ribbons is calculated by adding the individual calculated costs:

Thus, the total cost of 2 meters of red cotton ribbon and 1.5 meters of blue silk ribbons is ₱96.23.

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