Question

Convert the following to the equivalent indicated. \(44.5 \mathrm{~cm}=\) _______ \(\mathrm{mm}\)

Short answer

445 mm

Step-by-step solution

Understand the Problem

We need to convert 44.5 centimeters (cm) into millimeters (mm). This involves understanding the conversion factor between centimeters and millimeters.

Recall the Conversion Factor

Remember that 1 centimeter is equal to 10 millimeters. This is the conversion factor we will use to convert from centimeters to millimeters.

Perform the Conversion

Multiply the given measurement in centimeters by the conversion factor to convert to millimeters. \(44.5 \text{ cm} \times 10 \frac{\text{mm}}{\text{cm}} = 445 \text{ mm}\).

Interpret the Result

The result after converting is 445 millimeters. This is the equivalent length in millimeters.

Key concepts

Metric System

The metric system is a global standard for measurement, used in most countries around the world. This system is based on simple units of ten, making it easy to understand and convert between different measurement units.
The metric system helps to simplify calculations because every form of conversion within the system involves multiplying or dividing by 10, 100, 1000, and so forth. This uniformity is due to the base 10 structure, which aligns with our everyday number system.
Measurement units in the metric system include meters for length, liters for volume, and grams for mass. By understanding these basic units, you can easily perform conversions between them. For example, converting centimeters (cm) to millimeters (mm) is straightforward because both units are part of the metric system.

Centimeters to Millimeters

When converting from centimeters to millimeters, it's important to remember that both these units measure length and are part of the metric system.
Centimeters are larger than millimeters, as 1 centimeter equals 10 millimeters. This means to convert a measurement from centimeters to millimeters, you simply need to multiply by 10.
For example, if you have a length of 44.5 centimeters and you want to express it in millimeters, the calculation would be:

• 44.5 cm × 10 = 445 mm

This clear process ensures that any measurement is increased proportionally when converting from centimeters to millimeters.

Conversion Factors

Understanding conversion factors is crucial in performing any kind of conversion within the metric system. A conversion factor is a number used to change one set of units to another, by multiplying or dividing.
In the case of converting centimeters to millimeters, the conversion factor is 10. This means there are 10 millimeters in every centimeter. So, whenever you want to change a measurement given in centimeters to millimeters, you simply multiply that measurement by 10.
For instance, if a measurement is given as 5 cm, using the conversion factor, it becomes:

• 5 cm × 10 = 50 mm

Conversion factors help standardize processes and ensure accuracy in calculations, making them indispensable in mathematic and scientific calculations.

Measurement Units

Measurement units are important for describing quantities and dimensions accurately. In the metric system, measurement units are interrelated and based on decimals, which simplifies comprehension and conversion.
Units like meters, centimeters, and millimeters are used to measure length, with each unit representing a scale on the continuum.
Understanding these units helps in expressing measurements in compatible forms. For instance, a distance measured in kilometers can be converted into meters, centimeters, or millimeters depending on the required precision.
Knowing that there are 100 centimeters in a meter and 10 millimeters in a centimeter allows us to conceive these relationships as a seamless flow within the metric system. This simplifies adjustments for any calculations involving length, volume, or mass, which are common in many fields.