# Thread: A few conversions, need help?

1. ## A few conversions, need help?

I have always had issues with conversions, and I have a test coming up tonight in Chem and I'm trying to get them down once and for all. Most of them I am understanding, but these few have me hung up? They have to be solved using dimensional analysis.

1) 342pm^2 to dm^2
2) 3.0qt to mL
3) 8.4ft^2 to cm^2

I think maybe the squaring is confusing me. I'm not exactly sure what to do with the conversions? I know, in say number 3, that if it weren't squared it'd be 8.4ft(12in/ft)(2.54cm/1in), but what exactly does squaring it do?

Any help is greatly appreciated!

2. For squaring you square the conversion factor

For example: $1 \text{ cm}^2 = 1 \text{ cm } \times 1 \text{ cm} = 10^{-2} \text{ m } \times 10^{-2} \text{ m } = 10^{-4} \text{ m}^2$

3. Thanks! I've got it now!

I just realized I posted the wrong problem for #2. That one was 8oz to mL. I'm still a little hung up on that one.

4. Well unless oz is shorthand for fl oz (fluid ounce) the two are incompatible.

You'll have to use wikipedia for the conversion factor. All I remember is that 20 fl oz = 568ml

5. Ok, thanks! I found the conversion. And it is supposed to be fl oz, the problem just said (1 cup (8oz)). Not sure why they left out the "fl", but that would explain why I was confused (the only conversion in the book is for oz to g).

Thanks again!