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DD. Convert units of time

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What does it mean to convert units of time?

Converting units of time means changing a measurement of time into another unit without changing the actual amount of time. For example, changing hours into minutes or days into hours.

Examples:
  • 1 hour = 60 minutes
  • 1 minute = 60 seconds
  • 1 day = 24 hours
Note

When converting, you are only expressing the same length of time in a different unit, not changing the amount of time.

Important time relationships

There are standard time conversions that are always true. Memorizing these helps you solve problems quickly.

Common Time Equivalents:
  • 60 seconds = 1 minute
  • 60 minutes = 1 hour
  • 24 hours = 1 day
  • 7 days = 1 week
  • 12 months = 1 year
  • 365 days = 1 year (366 days in a leap year)
Note

These relationships never change. Remember them just like you remember multiplication facts.

How to convert units of time

To convert units of time, use multiplication or division depending on whether you are moving to a larger or smaller unit.

Steps:
  • Step 1: Write down what you know. Example: 3 hours.
  • Step 2: Use the time relationship. 1 hour = 60 minutes.
  • Step 3: Multiply. 3 × 60 = 180 minutes.
Note

If you go from a larger unit (like hours) to a smaller unit (like minutes), multiply. If you go from a smaller unit to a larger unit, divide.

Examples of time conversion in sentences

Converting units of time often appears in real-world situations like schedules, sports, and travel.

Examples:
  • A soccer game lasts 90 minutes. Since 60 minutes = 1 hour, 90 ÷ 60 = 1 hour and 30 minutes.
  • There are 48 hours in 2 days because 24 × 2 = 48.
  • If you sleep for 8 hours each night, in one week you sleep 8 × 7 = 56 hours.
Note

Think carefully about whether you should multiply or divide to get the correct unit of time.