Working with units algebraically

The  exercise appears under the Algebra I Math Mission. This exercise uses algebraic expression representing physical quantities to better understand units.

Types of Problems
There are two types of problems in this exercise:


 * 1) Select the correct units: This problem provides a formula with units on each of the physical variables. The student is expected to determine the units that will result from the formula.Wwua1.png
 * 2) Solve the word problem: This problems provides a context driven situation with several quantities with units. The student is expected to answer the questions by calculating the answer and writing it in the appropriate space.Wwua2.png

Strategies
Knowledge of units and algebraic operations is necessary for this problem.
 * 1) Units, just as numbers and variables, can be multiplied and divided.
 * 2) Fraction "rules" apply to units so multiplication is straight across and division is multiplication by a reciprocal.

Real-life Applications

 * 1) Units can be used as clues to solve word problems and can assist to understand if answers to questions are reasonable.
 * 2) In chemistry, stoichiometry can be viewed as an algebraic (and numerical) manipulation of fractions.
 * 3) Nursing can use concepts like this exercise to better understand dosage calculations.