c) We are given 1.5 m and want to convert to cm. The relationship is 1 m 100 cm Multiply the given measurement by the unit fraction so that meters divide out and centimeters remain. 1.5 m 100 cm 1 m 1.5 m 1 100 cm 1 m Divide out the unit of meters. 150 cm 1 Multiply. 150 cm Simplify. So, 1.5 m 150 cm. YOU TRY 3 Use unit fractions to change to the indicated unit. a) 962 cm to m b) 8.3 m to mm c) 174 mm to m Another way to change from one unit to another is by moving the decimal point. 3 Convert Between Units Using the Metric Conversion Chart The previous examples have shown that changing from one unit to another in the metric system involves multiplying or dividing by powers of 10. Therefore, we can convert between metric units by moving the decimal point. How do we know which way to move the decimal point to convert between units? We can use a metric conversion chart. Metric Conversion Chart m or 0.001 m 1 1000 m or 0.01 m 1 100 m or 0.1 m 1 10 1000 m 100 m 10 m 1 m km hm dam m dm cm mm To make the chart, list the metric units from largest to smallest. Procedure How to Use the Metric Conversion Chart 1) Find the unit that you are given. 2) Count the number of places you must move to go from the unit you are given to the unit you want to get. 3) Move the decimal point the same number of places and in the same direction that you did on the metric conversion chart. Note Moving the decimal point to the right is like multiplying by a power of 10. Moving the decimal point to the left is like dividing by a power of 10. www.mhhe.com/messersmith SECTION 7.2 The Metric System: Length 583
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