12 Questions
What is the purpose of a conversion factor in unit conversions?
To multiply or divide a quantity when converting from one unit to another
What is the result of cancelling identical units in an algebraic expression?
The expression is simplified
What is the term for the technique of cancelling units to obtain the correct solution to a problem?
Dimensional analysis
What is the purpose of a prefix in the metric system?
To multiply a unit by a power of 10
What is the name of the modern version of the metric system?
International System of Units
What are the building blocks of the metric system?
Base units and prefixes
What is the primary function of a conversion factor in unit conversions?
To multiply or divide a quantity by a ratio equivalent to one
What is the result of crossing out identical units in an algebraic expression?
The expression becomes simplified
What is the primary characteristic of a base unit in the metric system?
It is a unit on which other units are based
What is the purpose of the metric system?
To provide a standard for unit conversions
What is the relationship between the prefix 'kilo-' and the number 1,000?
The prefix 'kilo-' multiplies a unit by 1,000
What is the benefit of using the metric system?
It provides a standard for unit conversions
Study Notes
Base Units
- Base units are the fundamental units in the metric system
- Examples of base units include meters (length), grams (mass), seconds (time), and liters (volume)
Cancelling
- Cancelling means crossing out, removing, deleting, or invalidating something
- In algebraic expressions, identical terms found in the numerator and denominator can be cancelled, such as the unit "seconds" in the equation: 120 seconds ÷ 1 minute = 2 minutes 60 seconds
Conversion Factor
- A conversion factor is a ratio or fraction equivalent to one used to multiply or divide a quantity when converting from one unit to another
- Example: the conversion factor for seconds to minutes is 60 seconds ÷ 1 minute, which is equivalent to one because 60 seconds is equal to 1 minute
Dimensional Analysis
- Dimensional analysis is a technique that uses cancelling units to obtain the correct solution to a problem
Metric System
- The metric system was developed in France in 1790
- The modern version of the metric system is the International System of Units, or Système Internationale (SI) in French
- The metric system consists of base units and prefixes
Prefixes
- Prefixes are words or symbols placed before a unit that multiply that unit by a power of 10
- Examples of metric prefixes include micro- (1/1,000,000), milli- (1/1,000), centi- (1/100), and kilo- (1,000)
- Prefixes can be applied to any unit in the metric system
Test your understanding of unit conversions with this quiz, covering key terms such as base units, cancelling out identical terms, and conversion factors. Brush up on your metric system knowledge and algebraic expressions!
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