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A conversion factor is best treated as

  • A.a ratio equal to one, multiplying any expression
  • B.an approximation to be applied once at the very end
  • C.a constant with its own dimensions to be added on
  • D.a number whose units may safely be ignored

Answer: A

Correct answer: a ratio equal to one, multiplying any expression

Since 1 metre and 100 centimetres are the same length, the ratio of one to the other is exactly one, and multiplying by it changes the value of nothing while changing the units of everything. Treating conversions this way makes them algebra rather than recollection: write the ratio the way round that cancels the unit you have, and the arithmetic follows.

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