How is using a conversion factor different from using proportions to convert measurement units? Explain which is easier and why.

A conversion factor is basically a simplified ratio. For example, we want to convert 50 cm to meters

With a ratio,

1 m: 100 cm

x m : 50 cm

1/100 = x/50

x = 50 * 1/100

x = 0.5 m

Whereas, the conversion factor says,

cm/100 = meters

50/100 = 0.5m

The conversion is easier to use since it skips many steps and produces an answer directly.