Chapter 10.1, Problem 2SP

Interpretation Introduction

Interpretation: The number of apple seeds in 14 kg of apples should be calculated.

Concept Introduction: Factor that uses one set of units to change it to another set of units is said to be conversion factor.

Answer to Problem 2SP

The number of apple seeds in 14 kg of apples is 672 seeds.

Explanation of Solution

The number of apple seeds is calculated by converting the mass of apples to dozens of apples and then to number of apples followed by number of seeds. So, the sequence of conversions is:

  $\text{mass of apples }\to \text{ dozens of apples }\to \text{ number of apples }\to \text{ number of seeds}$

Now, the required conversion factor is:

  $14\text{ kg}\times \left(\frac{1.0\text{ dozen}}{2.0\text{ kg}}\right)\times \left(\frac{12\text{ apples}}{1.0\text{ dozen}}\right)\times \left(\frac{8\text{ seeds}}{1\text{ apple}}\right)$

On solving:

  $14\text{ kg}\times \left(\frac{1.0\text{ dozen}}{2.0\text{ kg}}\right)\times \left(\frac{12\text{ apples}}{1.0\text{ dozen}}\right)\times \left(\frac{8\text{ seeds}}{1\text{ apple}}\right)\text{ = 672 seeds}$

Hence, the number of apple seeds in 14 kg of apples is 672 seeds.