Problem 40 - Algebra 1: Concepts and Skills

Question

Convert the units. 5 days to hours

Step-by-Step Solution

Answer

5 days is equivalent to 120 hours.

Step 1: Identify the conversion factor

To convert days to hours, you need to know the conversion factor. 1 day is equivalent to 24 hours.

Step 2: Multiply the number of days by the conversion factor

Since there are 24 hours in a day, you multiply the given number of days by 24. \[5 \text{ days} \times 24 \frac{\text{hours}}{\text{day}}\]

Step 3: Perform the multiplication

Multiplying, we get \[5 \text{ days} \times 24 \frac{\text{hours}}{\text{day}} = 120 \text{ hours}\]

Key Concepts

Conversion Factor

When converting from one unit of measurement to another, the conversion factor is key. It's a number used to convert a quantity expressed in one set of units into an equivalent quantity expressed in another set of units. For instance, when converting days to hours, the conversion factor is 24. This means

• 1 day is equivalent to 24 hours.

By understanding the conversion factor, you can change one type of measurement into another accurately.
This is particularly useful in all kinds of mathematical and scientific calculations where different units need to be compared or converted.
The conversion factor acts as a bridge between these different units.
Overall, remembering that 1 day equals 24 hours will simplify converting between these time units.

Multiplication

Multiplication is the mathematical operation you'll use when working with conversion factors. Once you know the conversion factor, you multiply it by the measurement you want to change.
For example, in converting days to hours, you start with

• 5 days

The step involves multiplying these 5 days by the conversion factor (24 hours per day).
This can be represented in a mathematical expression:\[5 \times 24\]Here, you're essentially repeating addition, where you add 24 hours, five times.
The multiplication gives you the total number of hours in 5 days:

• 5 days times 24 hours per day equals 120 hours.

Through multiplication, conversion becomes a straightforward process that allows for quick and reliable results.

Time Conversion

Time conversion involves changing the unit in which time is expressed, such as converting days into hours. This is done to facilitate understanding, comparisons, or calculations. Understanding these conversions is crucial in many scenarios, such as planning schedules, managing projects, or calculating elapsed time.
For instance, if someone tells you a task will take 5 days, and you need to know how many hours this is, you would use time conversion.
Using the steps outlined:

• Identify the conversion factor: 1 day = 24 hours.
• Multiply: 5 days \( \times \) 24 = 120 hours.

Projects might often require you to convert time to align with specific timeframes or deadlines,
making an understanding of time conversion a practical skill across various disciplines and everyday activities.