Question

The length \(100 \mathrm{mm}\) can also be expressed as _______ cm.

Short answer

The length \(100 \mathrm{mm}\) can also be expressed as \(10 \mathrm{cm}\).

Step-by-step solution

Understand the relationship between millimeters and centimeters.

1 centimeter (cm) is equal to 10 millimeters (mm). This conversion relationship will be used to convert 100 mm into cm.

Set up the conversion equation.

To convert millimeters to centimeters, we will use the following equation: \[cm = \frac{mm}{10}\] where 'cm' refers to centimeters, and 'mm' refers to millimeters.

Substitute the value and solve the equation.

Now, we will substitute the given length (100 mm) into the equation and solve for 'cm': \[cm = \frac{100}{10}\]

Compute the answer.

Let's compute the value of 'cm': \[cm = 10\] So, the length of \(100 \mathrm{mm}\) can also be expressed as \(10 \mathrm{cm}\).

Key concepts

Length Measurement

When it comes to measuring length, understanding the basic terms is essential for everyday tasks and larger projects. Length measurement refers to the process of determining how long an object is from one end to the other. This can include small items like a pencil or large ones like a swimming pool.

Measurements are expressed in various units depending on the context or region. In many places around the world, the metric system is used due to its simplicity and ease of conversion. Knowing how to measure and convert lengths allows us to solve practical problems, create accurate designs, and ensure that things fit correctly in their intended spaces.

Accurate length measurement is crucial for:

• Building and construction projects
• Crafts and DIY projects
• Science experiments and calculations

Metric System

The metric system is a widely used standard for measuring quantities such as length, mass, and volume. It is based on units that are powers of ten, making calculations and conversions straightforward. For length, this system includes units like millimeters (mm), centimeters (cm), meters (m), and kilometers (km).

Each unit represents a multiple or fraction of a meter, which is the base unit in the metric system. For example:

• 1 kilometer (km) = 1000 meters (m)
• 1 meter (m) = 100 centimeters (cm)
• 1 centimeter (cm) = 10 millimeters (mm)

The metric system is user-friendly because of its base-10 structure. This means every step is a power of ten, allowing you to easily convert between units by simply shifting the decimal point. This system is used by most countries around the world, offering a simple and logical way to measure and compare all kinds of objects and distances.

Millimeters to Centimeters Conversion

Converting millimeters to centimeters is a common task that can be easily handled thanks to the metric system's base-10 design. As seen in the exercise, this conversion simplifies into moving the decimal place. Here’s how it works:

To convert from millimeters to centimeters, remember that 10 millimeters make 1 centimeter. This relationship can be expressed with the equation:
\[cm = \frac{mm}{10}\]For instance, if you have a length of 100 millimeters and want to convert it to centimeters, you use the equation:
\[cm = \frac{100}{10} = 10\]This tells you that 100 mm equals 10 cm. By dividing the number of millimeters by 10, you can easily find how many centimeters they are equivalent to. This simple division step makes conversions between millimeters and centimeters quick and reliable.