Consider the formula that relates distance, velocity, and time (d = vt). If you are interested in the time it takes for a mouse traveling at a speed of 5 feet per minute to run across a 30-yard field, which unit conversion makes the most sense to use?

Answer 1

To solve the problem, we need to ensure that the units for distance and velocity are consistent within the formula \( d = vt \).

The mouse is traveling at a speed of 5 feet per minute (ft/min), and the field distance is given as 30 yards.

Since the speed is in feet, it makes the most sense to convert the distance from yards to feet.

We know that: 1 yard = 3 feet

So, to convert 30 yards to feet: \[ 30 \text{ yards} \times 3 \frac{\text{feet}}{\text{yard}} = 90 \text{ feet} \]

Now, we can use the formula \( d = vt \): \[ d = vt \implies t = \frac{d}{v} \] Substituting \( d = 90 \) feet and \( v = 5 \) feet/minute: \[ t = \frac{90 \text{ feet}}{5 \text{ ft/min}} = 18 \text{ minutes} \]

Thus, the best unit conversion to use is converting yards to feet.