1Cademy - Converting 3.2 Tons to Pounds Using a Conversion Factor

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Unit Conversion Using Conversion Factors

Example

Converting 3.2 Tons to Pounds Using a Conversion Factor

To convert $3.2$ tons to pounds, apply the conversion factor $\frac{2{,}000 \text{ pounds}}{1 \text{ ton}}$ , which equals $1$ because $1$ ton $= 2{,}000$ pounds.

Start with the given measurement: $3.2 \text{ tons}$ .
Multiply by $1$ : $3.2 \text{ tons} \cdot 1$ .
Write $1$ as a conversion factor relating tons and pounds: $3.2 \text{ tons} \times \frac{2{,}000 \text{ pounds}}{1 \text{ ton}}$ .
Cancel the matching unit: The word "tons" appears in both the numerator and the denominator, so it divides out — just as a common numerical factor would in a fraction.
Multiply: $3.2 \times 2{,}000 = 6{,}400 \text{ pounds}$ .

Therefore $3.2$ tons $= 6{,}400$ pounds. This example illustrates the same dimensional-analysis technique used for length conversions, but applied to US customary weight units and involving decimal multiplication.

Updated 2026-04-21

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OpenStax Elementary Algebra

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