SME
Grade 10 Science · Problem type
One conversion factor
Use this to change kilometers to meters with one conversion factor.
Table
Distance in kilometers (a)
(km)
Distance in meters (b)
(m)
This is an example. Type your own values to start a new problem.
a
km
×
1,000
m
1
km
=
b
m
Formulas
a
×
1,000
=
b
3.2 × 1,000 = 3,200
Assumptions
•
1 km = 1000 m, so 1000 m/1 km is 1: multiplying by it changes only the unit.
•
The km on top and bottom cancel, leaving meters.
Step-by-step
WE KNOW
a = 3.2 km
FIND
distance in meters (b)
Step 1 · Find distance in meters (b)
Use a × 1,000 = b
Multiply by 1000 m over 1 km: the km cancel.
b
=
a
×
1,000
b
=
3.2
×
1,000
b
=
3,200
m
Check
Put the numbers back in. Both sides should match.
3.2 × 1,000 = 3,200 ✓
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