DIMENSIONAL ANALYSIS

MS. OLIVER
STATE STANDARDS AND LEARNING OBJECTIVES

• 6.RP.3 Apply the concepts of ratios and rates to solve real-world and
mathematical problems.
f. Solve one-step problems involving ratios and unit rates (e.g.,
dimensional analysis)
• Students will be able to apply dimensional analysis to solve real-world ratio
problems.
WHAT IS DIMENSIONAL ANALYSIS?

• Organized method of problem solving

• Used in chemistry, physics, and engineering
• Shows the path of your work
• Allows work to be replicated by others
5,195 GRAMS EQUALS HOW MANY KILOGRAMS?

1. Write the given.

2. Make it a fraction by putting the given over 1.

5195 g
5195 g
1
5,195 GRAMS EQUALS HOW MANY KILOGRAMS?

• Find an equivalency that has the unit you are starting with and the unit you
want to convert to.

5195 g
1
1 kg = 1000 g
5,195 GRAMS EQUALS HOW MANY KILOGRAMS?

• Turn your equivalency into a fraction by putting the number with the unit you
are converting to on top.

5195 g 1 kg
x
1 1000 g
1 kg = 1000 g
5,195 GRAMS EQUALS HOW MANY KILOGRAMS?

• Multiply the two fractions, making sure to cancel like units.

5195 g 1 kg 5195 kg
x =
1 1000 g 1000
5,195 GRAMS EQUALS HOW MANY KILOGRAMS?

• Complete the mathematical operation.

5195 g 1 kg 5195 kg
x = =
1 1000 g 1000
5.195 kg
FIGURE OUT WHERE THE RATIOS SHOULD GO IN
THE EQUATION.
• How many centimeters are in 4.2 inches?

4.2 in 2.54 cm 10.668 kg

x =
1 1 in 1
WHICH OF THESE RATIO CONVERSIONS IS
INCORRECT?

A) 1000 kilometer = 1 mile

B) 60 minutes = 1 hour
C) 365 days = 1 year
WHICH RATIO IS MISSING FROM THE
DIMENSIONAL ANALYSIS EQUATION?

2.54 cm 1 in 2.54 cm
2 in 2.54 cm 1 in
Try again! Try again! Correct!
7,000 G = ______ KG

A) 0.07 C) 70

B) 7 D) 700
IF 1000 MG = 1G, CONVERT 2.5 GRAMS INTO
MILLIGRAMS.

A) 25 mg C) 2500 mg

B) 250 mg D) 25,000 mg