Question

convert the units of length using unit ratios.
17,160 ft = ______ mi

• \\(3\frac{1}{4}\text{ mi}\\)
• \\(3\frac{3}{4}\text{ mi}\\)
• \\(3\frac{1}{2}\text{ mi}\\)
• \\(2\frac{3}{4}\text{ mi}\\)

Explanation:

State the conversion factor between feet and miles

$$ 1\text{ mi} = 5280\text{ ft} $$

Set up the unit ratio and convert

$$ 17,160\text{ ft} \times \frac{1\text{ mi}}{5280\text{ ft}} = \frac{17,160}{5280}\text{ mi} $$

Simplify the fraction to a mixed number

$$ \frac{17,160}{5280} = 3.25 = 3\frac{1}{4}\text{ mi} $$

Answer:

• (A) \(3\frac{1}{4}\text{ mi}\) (Correct answer)
• (B) \(3\frac{3}{4}\text{ mi}\)
• (C) \(3\frac{1}{2}\text{ mi}\)
• (D) \(2\frac{3}{4}\text{ mi}\)