Question

Convert the following to the equivalent measures indicated. \(1,200 \mathrm{~mL}=\) ______ \(\mathrm{oz}\)

Short answer

1,200 mL is approximately 40.58 oz.

Step-by-step solution

Understand the Conversion Factor

To convert from milliliters (mL) to ounces (oz), you need to know the conversion factor. 1 fluid ounce is approximately equal to 29.5735 milliliters.

Set Up the Conversion Equation

Use the conversion factor to set up the equation. Since you are converting from mL to oz, the equation will be set up as follows: \[ \text{Ounces} = \frac{\text{Milliliters}}{\text{1 fluid ounce in milliliters}} \] This can be written as \[ \text{Ounces} = \frac{1200 \, \text{mL}}{29.5735 \, \text{mL/oz}} \]

Perform the Calculation

Calculate the number of ounces by dividing 1200 by 29.5735. This will give you the equivalent amount in ounces. \[ \text{Ounces} = \frac{1200}{29.5735} \approx 40.58 \]

Round the Result if Necessary

If required, round the result to your desired decimal place. In general, you might round to two decimal places: 40.58 oz.

Key concepts

Conversion Factor

In the world of unit conversion, understanding the concept of a conversion factor is key. A conversion factor is a number used to change one set of units to another, by multiplying or dividing. It acts as a bridge to transfer measurements from one system to the next.
For example, when converting milliliters to ounces in the exercise, the conversion factor used is 29.5735. This number indicates how many milliliters fit into a single ounce.
Without the correct conversion factor, we can't accurately convert between units. Therefore, knowing and using the right conversion factor is fundamental to ensuring your calculations are correct.

Measurement Units

Measurement units are essential for quantifying and communicating the amount of something. In everyday life, we use different types of measurement units based on what we are describing, such as length, mass, or volume.
In the given exercise, the units involved are milliliters (mL) and ounces (oz), both of which are used to measure volume.
It's important to understand that while milliliters are part of the metric system, ounces fall under the imperial system. This difference highlights why conversion is necessary - it helps unite two different systems of measurement to make sure quantities are comparable and understandable across regions.

Metric System

The metric system is a globally accepted way of measuring based on multiples of ten. It is used by almost every country in the world because of its simplicity and ease of use.
The basic unit of volume in the metric system is the liter, with the milliliter (mL) being a smaller unit. One liter equals 1,000 milliliters.
In the exercise, we convert milliliters, which showcases the utility of the metric system for breaking down and building up measurements with consistent multiples, making conversions straightforward.
Understanding how the metric system works helps you easily navigate between different measures and makes conversions smooth and error-free.

Volume Conversion

Volume conversion is the process of changing the units in which we measure volume, allowing comparison and compatibility between different measurement systems.
The exercise task focused on converting from milliliters to ounces, utilizing the conversion factor of 29.5735 to calculate the conversion. Here is a quick method:

• Identify the conversion factor, which links the two units of volume.
• Set up your conversion equation using this factor.
• Perform the arithmetic operation required—either multiplication or division.

These steps illustrate how volume conversion doesn't just compute equivalent measures, but also improves our understanding across different unit systems.
This skill is highly valuable in science, cooking, and other fields where precise volume measurements are routine.