• Kairos@lemmy.today
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    4 months ago

    Just divide by 3.6

    Example:

    10 km /h * 1000 m / km = 10,000 m /h

    10,000 m/h * 1h/3600s = 10,000/ 3,6000 m/s = 10/3.6 m/s

      • the_crotch@sh.itjust.works
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        4 months ago

        Shit like this is why metric needs to be replaced with a base12 system. Base10 is for children who still count on their fingers.

        • GoodEye8@lemm.ee
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          4 months ago

          If at could start at blank slate then base 12 would make a better foundation, but base 10 is far too ingrained into every aspect of our life. It’s much easier to convert time into base 10 than it would be to convert the world into base 12.

    • MisterFrog@lemmy.world
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      4 months ago

      I used to do it this way in highschool, but could never remember if it was divide by or multiply by 3.6

      Instead I now do it as you have shown, except it all goes in the same expression.

      10 km/h * 1000 m/km * 1h/3600s = 2.778 m/s

      No need for the extra steps. Slap it all in the same expression and put it in the calculator (being careful to check that the units cancel as intended)

      • Fushuan [he/him]@lemm.ee
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        4 months ago

        M/s is faster (lower number) than km/h so… That should give you enough explanation to understand whether you need to divide or multiply 3.6 when converting.

        • MisterFrog@lemmy.world
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          4 months ago

          It just never stuck. Just for me personally it’s easier to remember the base conversions of 1 km = 1000 m and 1 hr = 3600 and do the maths.

          Just my own personal preference, and when dealing with more complex units, is the only way.