When converting between units that measure area, what must be done to the conversion factor?

• A. Take the square root of the conversion factor.
• B. Square the conversion factor.
• C. Use the conversion factor as it is.
• D. Cube the conversion factor.

Answer: (B)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Understand that when converting between units of area, you are dealing with square units (e.g., square meters, square centimeters).
2. Recall that area units are derived by squaring length units, so the conversion factor for length must be squared to convert area units correctly.
3. For example, if 1 meter equals 100 centimeters, then 1 square meter equals (100 centimeters) squared, which is 10,000 square centimeters.
4. Therefore, the conversion factor for area is the square of the conversion factor for length.
5. Avoid taking the square root or cubing the conversion factor, as these operations do not correctly convert between area units.