Numerical Questions With Units

Numerical questions with units require you to enter both a number and a unit for the answer, for example, 10 inches. The kind of answer that is expected should be clear from the question.

If enabled by your instructor, an answer format tip is displayed below the answer box when it is selected and provides information about the form of the answer that is expected. The answer format tip indicates that a number with units is expected and might also specify whether significant figures will be checked.

If the question requires you to specify units in your answer, type a number followed by a space and a unit, for example, 2500 meters.

You can use standard abbreviations for units, and you can specify any compatible unit. For example, the responses 2500 meters, 2.5 km, and 2.5e+6 mm are all equivalent. Be sure to spell the unit or abbreviation correctly.

Observe the following rules when specifying units.

Rule	Incorrect	Correct
Type a space between the number and the unit.	20g 20 g	20 g
Units are case-sensitive.	1 minute = 60 S	1 minute = 60 s
Do not combine multiple values and units.	3 minutes 15 seconds	3.25 minutes
To change the dimension of a unit, follow the unit with a caret (^) and an exponent. Do not use the words square or cubic. Do not use two asterisks (**) to specify the exponent.	3 square miles 3 mi**2	3 mi^2
To divide a unit, use /. Do not use per.	miles per hour	miles/hour
To multiply a unit, use a space or asterisk. Do not use a raised dot or hyphen.	kW·h kilowatt-hour	kW*h kilowatt hour
Many unit names accept singular and plural forms interchangeably. Do not pluralize unit abbreviations.	3 mis	3 mi 3 miles
Do not enter a fraction for the number when units are required.	3/4 inch	0.75 inch