Question

converting measurements to solve problems
sammi built a drink tank for the school festival. the tank holds 25 gallons of water, and she needs to convert that measurement to liters. her work is shown below.
1 gallon = 3.79 liters
25 gallons × 3.79 liters = 92.3 liters
what is sammi’s error?
a. the conversion factor should have gallons in the denominator.
b. she should have used two conversion factors.
c. she should not have used a conversion factor.
d. the answer should be in gallons.

Explanation:

When converting units, to cancel out gallons and get liters, the conversion factor should have gallons in the denominator (so $\frac{\text{liters}}{\text{gallons}}$). Sammy used the conversion factor backwards, putting gallons in the numerator, which incorrectly cancels units and gives the wrong result.

Answer:

O The conversion factor should have gallons in the denominator.