Question

Write the conversion factor that converts a measurement in inches to feet. How does the conversion factor change for converting a measurement in feet to inches?

Short answer

The conversion factor from inches to feet is 1/12, and from feet to inches is 12/1.

Step-by-step solution

Understand the Relationship between Inches and Feet

Recognize that one foot is equal to 12 inches. This relationship is necessary to create a conversion factor between the two units.

Create the Conversion Factor from Inches to Feet

Since there are 12 inches in one foot, the conversion factor from inches to feet is 1 foot / 12 inches.

Invert the Conversion Factor for Feet to Inches

To convert from feet to inches, use the inverse of the conversion factor from Step 2, which is 12 inches / 1 foot.

Key concepts

Measurement Conversion

Measurement conversion is the process of changing one unit of measure into another. It is a fundamental concept in both mathematical and scientific contexts, including chemistry, where careful and precise conversions can be crucial in experiments and computations.

To perform a measurement conversion, one must understand the relationship between the units and use an appropriate conversion factor. A conversion factor is a ratio that represents how one unit of measure relates to another. Using a conversion factor allows you to multiply or divide a quantity by this ratio to change the units while preserving the same quantity value.

For example, if you know that in the metric system, 1 kilometer equals 1000 meters, then to convert 5 kilometers to meters, you'd use the conversion factor of 1000 meters/kilometer, resulting in 5 km * (1000 meters/1 km) = 5000 meters. Measurement conversion is essential in chemistry when dealing with different units of volume, mass, concentration, and more, ensuring accurate and reliable results.

Inches to Feet Conversion

Converting inches to feet is a specific example of measurement conversion that is often used in various fields, including chemistry, when precise measurements are needed. This conversion relies on understanding the fixed relationship between inches and feet.

A conversion factor that can be used to convert inches to feet is 1 foot / 12 inches, as there are 12 inches in a foot. When faced with a measurement in inches that you need to convert to feet, you simply divide the number of inches by 12.

If you're working with a measurement of, say, 24 inches, you would convert to feet by calculating 24 inches * (1 foot / 12 inches) = 2 feet. It's vital to pay attention to units during conversion and ensure proper cancellation, so the result is in the correct units of measure.

Relationship between Inches and Feet

Understanding the relationship between inches and feet is essential for accurate unit conversions in various applications, including chemistry, where even small measurement errors can lead to significant discrepancies in outcomes.

This relationship is simple and constant: 1 foot is always equal to 12 inches. This 1:12 ratio forms the basis of the conversion factor. When you need to convert from feet to inches, you multiply by the conversion factor, and when converting from inches to feet, you divide by the same factor.

The permanence of this conversion makes it reliable and easy to remember, facilitating quick mental conversions or precise calculations in written exercises. It's a foundational concept for students to grasp early on, as measurements and unit conversions are Inseparable parts of many scientific and mathematical problems.