3.4 Converting units by using a formula
It is sometimes necessary to convert from one unit of measurement to another. You can use a formula in order to do this.
Example 11
Use the formula 1 pint = 0.5683 litres (to 4 s.f.) to calculate the number of litres in 8 pints (or 1 gallon). Give your answer to 3 significant figures.
Answer
As 1 pint is 0.5683 litre, it follows that 8 pints will be 8 times this:
8 pints = 8 × (0.5683 litre) = 4.55 litres (to 3 s.f.).
Sometimes the conversion formula that is given is in the opposite direction from the one you want. However, it is possible to turn such formulas round. For example, since 1 km = 1000 m, it follows that
Example 12
Turn the formula 1 mile = 1.609 km round to obtain 1 km in miles. Give your answer to 3 significant figures.
Answer
The formula can be written as
Dividing by 1.609 gives
