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Convert metric length units

Metric length units kilometer, meter, centimeter, and millimeter form a multiplicative system in which 1 km=1,000 m1\text{ km}=1{,}000\text{ m}, 1 m=100 cm1\text{ m}=100\text{ cm}, and 1 cm=10 mm1\text{ cm}=10\text{ mm}; converting between units preserves length by multiplying or dividing by the appropriate power of ten. The learner interprets equivalent measurements in tables, equations, and simple decimal forms, recognizing that a larger unit requires a smaller numerical value, without extending to arbitrary metric prefixes or more advanced unit analysis.

Detailed Explanation: Convert metric length units

Metric length units are related by powers of (10)(10):

  • (1 km=1,000 m)(1\text{ km}=1{,}000\text{ m})
  • (1 m=100 cm)(1\text{ m}=100\text{ cm})
  • (1 cm=10 mm)(1\text{ cm}=10\text{ mm})

To convert to a smaller unit, multiply. To convert to a larger unit, divide. The length stays the same; only the number and unit change.

Example: Convert (2.6 m)(2.6\text{ m}) to centimeters.

Since centimeters are smaller than meters, multiply by (100)(100):

2.6 m×100=260 cm2.6\text{ m}\times 100=260\text{ cm}

So,

2.6 m=260 cm\boxed{2.6\text{ m}=260\text{ cm}}

The answer has a larger number because it takes (100)(100) centimeters to make 11 meter.

Learn by doing: Convert metric length units

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    Measurement Conversion - Metric Length Units (Common) with Decimals

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