Converting Measurements for Paint: A Unit Conversion Challenge

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Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around converting measurements related to paint, specifically focusing on unit conversions from square feet per gallon to square meters per liter. The original poster presents their attempts at the conversion process and seeks clarification on the necessary steps and equations.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Mathematical reasoning, Assumption checking

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Participants discuss the conversion of units from feet to meters and from gallons to liters, with some questioning the need for double conversions due to the squared units. There are attempts to clarify the correct conversion factors and the implications of different gallon definitions.

Discussion Status

Several participants have provided guidance on the conversion process, with some confirming the correctness of the calculations. There is an acknowledgment of potential confusion regarding the gallon to liter conversion, and the discussion appears to be progressing towards a clearer understanding of the problem.

Contextual Notes

Participants note the importance of distinguishing between US and UK gallon conversions, which may affect the calculations. There is also mention of the original poster's stress regarding the complexity of the problem.

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Homework Statement



paint.png


Homework Equations



1 Liter is 1000cm^3
1 foot is .3048m
centi is 10^-2

The Attempt at a Solution


convert ft to m
400ft * .3048m/1ft = 121.92m
convert m to cm
121.92m is 12192 cm
12192 cm is 12.192 Liter
1 gal = 3.78541 L

I look at the appendix but there is no equation for f^2 or m^2/L. Need help. =]
 
Last edited:
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You have units of ft^2/gallon and you need to convert to m^2/L.

You have already done the ft to m conversion, now you need to do gallons to litres.
 
Nytik said:
You have units of ft^2/gallon and you need to convert to m^2/L.

You have already done the ft to m conversion, now you need to do gallons to litres.

There's got to be a way in a physics problem. Here's a picture of the problem. =]
 
Sorry, I think I ninja-edited while you were quoting (perhaps). Read it now and it should be fine.
 
Nytik said:
Sorry, I think I ninja-edited while you were quoting (perhaps). Read it now and it should be fine.

400ft^2/1 gal * .3048m/1ft = 121.92m^2/1 gal

121.92m^2/gal * 1 gal/3.78541 Liter = 121.92m^2/3.78541 Liter. Now divide 121.92/3.78541 Liter to turn it into 1 liters and you get 32.2 m^2/ 1 Liter.
 
Not quite, remember it's ft^2 and m^2 so you have to do that conversion twice.
 
oh boy. let's see. i think I found the problem. here's the fixed conversion!

400ft^2/ 1 gal * .3048m/1ft = 400 ft/1gal * .3048 m * .3048m/1ft * 1 gal/3.7854L = (400)(.3048m)(.3048m)/(3.7854L) = 37.161216m^2/3.78541 L. To make it one liter it would be 9.8169 m^2/1 L
 
Looks good to me. If that isn't working then double-check where you got the gallon-litre conversion; I know that a US gallon is different to a UK gallon and I don't know which countries use MasteringPhysics either!
 
whew that was a lot of work! i forgot to round but its 9.82m^2/1 Liter. I got the gallon to liter conversion from google so it could be U.S and i got it correct. Thanks for the guidance! This problem sure stressed me out! =]
 

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