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Chemistry All-in-One For Dummies (+ Chapter Quizzes Online)
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When completing a chemistry calculation, always write the number with the unit. Number, unit — it’s like having a first and last name.

Consistently writing down the units allows you to see what cancels and helps you spot an error when units don’t cancel. For example, look at the following conversion from miles to kilometers. The correct setup gives you an answer in kilometers. The incorrect setup gives you an answer in square miles per kilometer, which doesn’t make sense.

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About This Article

This article is from the book: 

About the book author:

Heather Hattori has taught both high school and college level chemistry during her 30+ years in education.

Richard H. Langley, PhD, is on the faculty of Stephen F. Austin State University in Nacogdoches,Texas, where he teaches chemistry.