Loading...

How do you know if you can convert a unit?

You know that different units can be used to measure the same thing and that you can perform calculations to convert one unit to another. But you should also recognize that you can only solve a unit conversion problem if the units you start with and the units you convert to measure the same thing. If they don't, then there aren't any calculations that can convert them.

See how well you understand this issue. For each of the examples below, check to see if one unit can be converted to another: Does each unit measure the same characteristic? Match the unit conversion example to the label possible or impossible.

meters to centimeters


possible

impossible


That is correct.
Meters and centimeters are both used to measure length, width, height, and radius. The fact that both words contain the word meter acts as a sort of hint.
kilograms to meters


possible

impossible


That is correct.
Unit conversions are only possible between units that measure the same characteristic. Kilograms measure weight. Meters measure length, height, etc.
liters to ounces


possible

impossible


Yes, that is correct.
Liters and ounces both measure capacity, so you can convert between these two units of measure.
centimeters to feet


possible

impossible


That is correct.
Although the units do not seem to match, they are still used to measure the same qualities. Therefore, there exists a calculation to complete the conversion.

Complete