Question

Write conversion factors for each. (a) miles to kilometers (b) kilometers to miles (c) gallons to liters (d) liters to gallons

Short answer

The conversion factors are: (a) 1 mile = 1.60934 kilometers, (b) 1 kilometer = 0.621371 miles, (c) 1 gallon = 3.78541 liters, (d) 1 liter = 0.264172 gallons.

Step-by-step solution

Convert Miles to Kilometers

To convert miles to kilometers, we use the conversion factor where 1 mile is approximately 1.60934 kilometers. Therefore, the conversion factor from miles to kilometers is 1.60934.

Convert Kilometers to Miles

To convert kilometers to miles, we use the inverse of the conversion factor used in step 1. Since 1 kilometer is approximately 0.621371 miles, the conversion factor from kilometers to miles is 0.621371.

Convert Gallons to Liters

To convert gallons to liters, we use the conversion factor where 1 gallon is approximately 3.78541 liters. Thus, the conversion factor from gallons to liters is 3.78541.

Convert Liters to Gallons

To convert liters to gallons, we use the inverse of the conversion factor used in step 3. Since 1 liter is approximately 0.264172 gallons, the conversion factor from liters to gallons is 0.264172.

Key concepts

Miles to Kilometers

Understanding how to convert miles to kilometers is vital for anyone dealing with distance measurements in regions where different units are standard. For this conversion, the key number to remember is the conversion factor: 1 mile equals approximately 1.60934 kilometers. To perform the conversion, simply multiply the number of miles by this factor.

For instance, to convert 5 miles to kilometers, calculate as follows: \( 5 \text{ miles} \times 1.60934 \text{ km/mile} = 8.0467 \text{ kilometers} \). Always ensure your final answer is in the correct unit to prevent any misunderstandings.

Kilometers to Miles

Converting kilometers to miles is just as common, especially for those traveling to countries where miles are the preferred unit for expressing distances. The conversion factor here is 0.621371, reflecting the fact that 1 kilometer is approximately equal to 0.621371 miles. To convert kilometers to miles, multiply your kilometers figure by this factor.

For example, to convert 10 kilometers to miles, compute the following: \( 10 \text{ km} \times 0.621371 \text{ miles/km} = 6.21371 \text{ miles} \). As with any conversion, double-check that your answer is presented in the intended unit of measurement.

Gallons to Liters

The conversion from gallons to liters is crucial, particularly when dealing with liquid volumes in scenarios such as cooking or fuel measurements. One gallon is equivalent to approximately 3.78541 liters. When you need to convert gallons to liters, use this number to multiply the number of gallons.

For instance, to convert 2 gallons to liters, the calculation would be: \( 2 \text{ gallons} \times 3.78541 \text{ liters/gallon} = 7.57082 \text{ liters} \). Ensuring accurate measurements can be crucial, especially in tasks that require precision like following recipes or calculating fuel efficiency.

Liters to Gallons

Transitioning from liters to gallons often occurs in the same situations as the reverse, especially where American standard units are used versus the metric system. Here, 1 liter is approximately equal to 0.264172 gallons. To convert liters back to gallons, multiply the number of liters by this conversion factor.

To convert 3 liters to gallons, one would perform the following operation: \( 3 \text{ liters} \times 0.264172 \text{ gallons/liter} = 0.792516 \text{ gallons} \). It's always good practice to use precise conversion factors and check your work to maintain accuracy in your measurements.