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Conceptual Plan Using Dimensional Analysis
• Sort the information from the problem.
- Identify the given quantity and unit, the quantity and unit you want to find, and any relationships implied in the problem.
• Devise a strategy (plan).
- Each step involves a conversion factor or equation.
- Check that units cancel properly.
- Multiply terms across the top and divide by each bottom term.
• Solve.
- Pay attention to rules for significant figures and cancel out units as you go along to get the answer.
• Check the answer.
- Double-check the setup to ensure the unit at the end is the one you wished to find.
- Check to see that the size of the number is reasonable.
- Example
- Since centimeters are smaller than inches, converting inches to centimeters should result in a larger number.