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.