Dimensional Analysis

Consistent problem solving approach

Reinforces unit conversion Simplifies computation

Easy to assess and grade

5 Steps of Dimensional Analysis

Start with what value is known, proceed to the unknown.

Draw the dimensional lines (count the “jumps”).

Insert the unit relationships. Cancel the units. Do the math, include units in answer.

Write the KNOWN, identify the UNKNOWN.

EX. How many quarts is 9.3 cups?

9.3 cups ? quarts=

4 cups = 1 quart

9.3 cups x

Draw the dimensional “jumps”.

Do the Math

9.3 cups x

cups

quart

4

1

2.325 s

Show ALL Work No shortcuts Use proper abbreviations

Given the following information:1 quark = 2.9 whos 1 whos = 5 mabees 1 bug = 3.7 quarks 1 kuz = 3.2 mabees

3 Quarks = How many bugs

3 Quarks X1 bug

3.7 Quarks

Given the following information:1 quark = 2.9 who’s 1 who’s = 5 mabees 1 bug = 3.7 quarks 1 kuz = 3.2 mabees

7 who’s = How many bugs

7 who's X1 quark

X1 bug

2.9 who's 3.7 quarks

0.65 bugs

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Time conversions

1 year = 365 days 1 day = 24 hours 1 hour = 60 min 1 min = 60 sec

How many seconds are in one year?

Set up the jumps.

years Xdays

Xhours

Xminutes

Xseconds

years days hours minutes

1 year = 365 days 1 day = 24 hours 1 hour = 60 min 1 min = 60 sec

1 years X 365 days X 24 hours X 60 minutes X 60 seconds

1 years 1 days 1 hours 1 minutes

1 year = 31,536,000 seconds

1 year = 365 days1 day = 24 hours1 hour = 60 min1 min = 60 sec