Factor label method

1. Factor –LabelMethod
To convert units we need what we call a conversion
factor. Conversion factors are valid relations between
units of the same kind or equities expressed as a
fraction.
Stepstobefollowedforeachconversionfactor (fraction):
1.Writedownthequantityand theunitsyouwanttobe
converted. Thesymbol fortheunitthatwewanttoobtainwill
beplaced in theplace of thefractionwherewewantittobe
(denominatorornumerator). Thesymbol fortheunitthatwe
wanttocancel (eliminate) willbeplaced in theremaining
spaceof thefraction(numeratorordenominator).
2.In theconversionfactor: Write1 beforethehighestunitand
theequivalentquantitybeforetheotherunitin theconversion
factor..

3. Examples:
1.1200 m tokm
2.72 km/h tom/s
3.1,6 g/ml tokg/m
3
Finalizar

5. 1200 m tokm
1200 mx
km
m
1
1000
1200 · 1
1000
km 1,2 km
Unitwewanttoobtain
Unitwewanttoeliminategoesin
thedenominatortocancel it.
Write1 beforethehightestunit
(km are higherthanm)
Herewewillwritetheequivalent: 1 km
equals1000 m
OtherexamplesEnd

7. 72 km/h tom/s
72 x
m
km
1000
1
More examplesEnd
km
h
x
h
s
1
3600
72 · 1000 · 1
1 · 3600
m
s
20
m
s
Thisconversionfactor
leavespermite s in the
denominatorand allowsus
tocancetheh (numerator)
Thisconversion
factor leavesm
in numeratory
and km are
cancelled
(denominator)

9. 1,6 g/ml tokg/m
3
1,6 x
kg
g
1
1000
More examplesEnd
g
cm
3
x
cm
3
m
3
1000000
1
1,6·1·1000000
1000 · 1
kg
m
3
1600
kg
m
3
Thisconversionfactor leavespermite
m
3
in thedenominatorand allowsus
tocancel thecm
3
(numerator)
Thisconversion
factor leaveskg
in numeratory
and g are
cancelled
(denominator)