Question

Convert the following metric measures by moving the decimal. \(750 \mathrm{mg}=\) ______\(\mathrm{g}\)

Short answer

750 mg is 0.750 g

Step-by-step solution

Understand Metric Conversion

To convert milligrams (mg) to grams (g), we need to know the conversion factor. The metric system states that 1 gram is equal to 1000 milligrams.

Set Up the Conversion

Using the conversion factor, you can convert milligrams to grams. The formula is: \[ \text{grams} = \frac{\text{milligrams}}{1000} \]

Apply the Conversion to the Specific Problem

Substitute the given value into the formula: \[ \text{grams} = \frac{750 \text{ mg}}{1000} \] This simplifies to \[ \text{grams} = 0.750 \text{ g} \]

Move the Decimal

To move the decimal from milligrams to grams, shift the decimal point three places to the left because you're dividing by 1000. Thus, 750 mg becomes 0.750 g.

Key concepts

Milligrams to Grams

Understanding the conversion between milligrams (mg) and grams (g) is an essential part of the metric system, particularly when working with small weights. Milligrams and grams are units of mass in the metric system used to measure very light weights. While a milligram is a smaller unit, a gram is larger.

• 1 gram = 1000 milligrams
• Frequently used in fields like medicine, chemistry, and nutrition
• Useful for precise measurements

It is important to remember that converting from milligrams to grams simply involves dividing the number of milligrams by 1000. This conversion helps compare heavier and lighter weights more easily in a consistent scale.

Metric System

The metric system is a decimal-based system of measurement used by most of the world. It helps ensure that scientific and everyday measurements are well-organized and consistent. Its primary advantage is simplicity; everything is based on units of 10.

• The metric units for mass are grams, milligrams, kilograms, etc.
• It's a widely adopted standard for scientific experiments.
• It eliminates confusion caused by different measurement standards.

The metric system's uniformity and simplicity make it an efficient tool for daily life and scientific endeavors. Knowing metric conversions like milligrams to grams lends itself to better understanding quantities and accurately conducting calculations.

Decimal Movement

The concept of decimal movement is crucial in metric conversions. By moving the decimal point, you adjust the magnitude of a number to reflect the conversion between units. When converting from milligrams to grams, the well-known rule to remember is that you move the decimal point three places to the left, because 1000 milligrams make up one gram. When you divide by a multiple of ten, for instance, 1000, you simplify the process by shifting the decimal. Thus, with 750 mg:

Start with 750 mg

Move decimal three places left: 0.750 g

Knowing how to perform decimal movement helps you quickly and accurately convert measurements within the metric system, making it especially vital in fields that require precision.

Conversion Factor

A conversion factor allows you to translate a quantity expressed in one unit of measurement to another. It is a critical tool in math and science, making it possible to swap between different systems easily without error. For milligrams and grams, the conversion factor is 1000, stemming from the relationship that 1 gram = 1000 milligrams. The use of conversion factors is essential whenever you need to:

• Adjust calculations when switching between different metric units
• Ensure measurement accuracy in scientific data
• Standardize measurements across various disciplines

In summary, whenever a conversion is necessary, determining and correctly applying the conversion factor ensures your resulting calculations are reliable and precise. This practice of using conversion factors is a fundamental skill for successfully navigating any metric-based tasks.