English to Metric Conversions - Unit Cancelling Method

English to Metric Conversions - Yards to Meters

Yards to Meter Example Problem
Algebraic steps to convert yards to meters. Todd Helmenstine

Unit cancellation is one of the easiest ways to keep control of your units in any science problem. This example converts grams to kilograms. It doesn't matter what the units are, the process is the same.

Example Question: How Many Meters Are in 100 Yards?

The graphic shows the steps and information necessary to easily convert yards to meters. Most people memorize a few conversions to get by. Almost nobody would know right off that 1 yard = 0.9144 meters. They know a yard is a little longer than a meter, but not much. The common length conversion people remember is 1 inch = 2.54 centimeters.

Step A states the problem. There are ?m in 100 yards.

Step B lists commonly known conversions between English and Metric units used in this example.

Step C lays out all the conversions and their respective units. Step D cancels out each unit from the top (numerator) and bottom (denominator) until the desired unit is reached. Each unit has been canceled with its own color to show the progression of units. Step E lists the remaining numbers for easy calculation. Step F shows the final answer.

Answer: There are 91.44 meters in 100 yards.

Tips for Success

  • In order to cancel a unit, it needs to be in both the numerator (top) and denominator (bottom). The most common mistake people make is to have the top and bottom of a conversion "flipped." If your units don't cancel, flip the one causing the problem.
  • The only unit that should be left is the one you want. If you still have extra units, you're probably missing a conversion in the equation.
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Your Citation
Helmenstine, Todd. "English to Metric Conversions - Unit Cancelling Method." ThoughtCo, Jul. 29, 2021, thoughtco.com/english-to-metric-conversions-unit-cancelling-method-604150. Helmenstine, Todd. (2021, July 29). English to Metric Conversions - Unit Cancelling Method. Retrieved from https://www.thoughtco.com/english-to-metric-conversions-unit-cancelling-method-604150 Helmenstine, Todd. "English to Metric Conversions - Unit Cancelling Method." ThoughtCo. https://www.thoughtco.com/english-to-metric-conversions-unit-cancelling-method-604150 (accessed March 28, 2024).