Power to Horsepower Conversion: Multiply or Divide?

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Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around converting power measured in watts to horsepower, with specific values provided for mass, weight, height, and time. The original poster presents a power value of 638.79 W and seeks clarification on whether to multiply or divide by 746 W to achieve the conversion.

Discussion Character

  • Conceptual clarification, Assumption checking

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • The original poster attempts to determine the correct method for converting watts to horsepower, expressing uncertainty about whether to multiply or divide by 746 W. Some participants suggest estimating the answer before calculating, while others confirm that division is the appropriate operation.

Discussion Status

Participants are exploring the conversion process, with some providing insights into the relationship between watts and horsepower. There is a general agreement on the need to divide, but the discussion remains open as participants reflect on their reasoning and assumptions.

Contextual Notes

The original poster mentions that this inquiry is part of a lab assignment, which may impose specific constraints or expectations on the problem-solving approach.

anonymous820
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Homework Statement



how do u get from power to horsepower?
mass=60 kg
weight=588.6 N
height=7 m
time=6.45 s
power= 638.79 W

Homework Equations



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The Attempt at a Solution



multiply by 746 W to get: 476537.34 hp
or divide by 746 W to get: .856286 hp

i think its divide rather than multiply b/c then the watts cancel and ure left with hp, but I am not sure. that's my only question. multiply or divide?
 
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1 horsepower = 745.7 watts
or 1 W = 1/745.7 Hp, so you replace the 'W' with (1/745.7)Hp.

Or just think would 638W be more or less than 1 hp and roughly how many would it be?
It's always worth estimating the answer before putting the numbers in a calculator.
 
Last edited:
less. so IT IS divide. thanks. i knew 400,000 hp was unreasonable for a person. this was a lab btw.
 
Last edited:
anonymous820 said:
i think its divide rather than multiply b/c then the watts cancel and ure left with hp, but I am not sure. that's my only question. multiply or divide?

You have the correct instinct that you should be able to carry your units along in your calculation to help you keep the numbers in the right places. Here's a thread that should help your insight -- check out my post #10 and the subsequent comments:

https://www.physicsforums.com/showthread.php?t=130989

Very important trick to use and master in your math and physics and engineering studies!
 

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